What is the recommended dosage of Leupron (leuprolide) for prostate cancer?

From the Guidelines

Leuprolide (Lupron) for prostate cancer is typically administered as depot injections in doses of 7.5 mg monthly, 22.5 mg every 3 months, 30 mg every 4 months, or 45 mg every 6 months, with the most recent evidence suggesting doses of 3.75–7.5 mg IM every 4w or 11.25–22.5 mg IM every 12w 1. When considering the treatment of prostate cancer with Leuprolide, it's essential to weigh the benefits and risks, prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The evidence from various studies, including those listed in the provided guideline evidence, supports the use of Leuprolide as a hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer.

• Key points to consider:
  • Treatment usually continues long-term, often for years, as hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer.
  • Before starting treatment, patients should be aware that initial testosterone flare may occur in the first weeks, potentially worsening symptoms temporarily.
  • This can be managed with anti-androgens like bicalutamide for the first few weeks.
  • Common side effects include hot flashes, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and bone density loss.
  • Regular monitoring of PSA levels, testosterone levels, and bone density is important during treatment.
  • Lupron works by suppressing testosterone production, which many prostate cancers depend on for growth. The specific dosage and schedule should be determined by your oncologist based on your particular cancer stage, grade, and overall health status, with consideration of the most recent guidelines and evidence 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose is 1 mg (0.2 mL or 20 unit mark) administered as a single daily subcutaneous injection. The recommended dose of Leupron (leuprolide) for prostate cancer is 1 mg administered as a single daily subcutaneous injection 2.

• The dose is given daily
• Administration is via subcutaneous injection
• The injection site should be varied periodically

From the Research

Leupron Dosage for Prostate Cancer

• The dosage of leuprolide acetate for prostate cancer treatment is typically 7.5 mg/month, as seen in a study published in 2007 3.
• This dosage is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy, to decrease rates of biochemical failure and potentially increase patient survival 4.
• Leuprolide acetate is a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist, which works by desensitizing and downregulating pituitary LHRH receptors, reducing LH synthesis and release, and ultimately decreasing testosterone levels 4.
• The use of LHRH agonists, such as leuprolide acetate, has been shown to be effective in treating prostate cancer, with long-term durable control of localized prostate cancer (T1-2) 3.
• Combination therapy with next-generation hormonal agents, such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, has been shown to confer a survival advantage in patients with prostate cancer 5.

Administration and Efficacy

• Leuprolide acetate can be administered via a subcutaneous delivery system, which provides an extended release of the medication 4.
• The Atrigel drug delivery system, used in Eligard 7.5 mg, increases bioavailability and optimizes testosterone suppression 4.
• Studies have shown that LHRH agonists, including leuprolide acetate, can provide long-term survival benefits in patients with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer 5.
• The efficacy and safety profiles of different LHRH agonists and antagonists, including leuprolide acetate, vary, and the choice of treatment should be based on individual patient needs and disease stage 5, 6.