TITLE:
Evaluation of the Positive Response Rate to First-Generation Hormone Therapy (FGHT) in Patients with Prostate Cancer (PCa) in Kinshasa, from January 2014 to January 2025
AUTHORS:
Serge Mbiya Nsumba, Nkodila Aliocha, Alpha Tsita Mafuta, Trésor Yebe Mosolongo, Dolly Kolela Bilonda, Jean Paul Mokumu Esika, Pablo Kuntima Diangienda, Matthieu Nkumu Loposso, Bienvenue Massamba Lebwaze, Augustin Maole Punga, Dieudonné Molamba Moningo
KEYWORDS:
Prostate Cancer, First-Generation Hormone Therapy, Castration Resistance, Democratic Republic of the Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Urology,
Vol.16 No.4,
April
14,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a hormone-dependent malignancy and a major public health concern. In resource-limited settings such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, making hormone therapy the cornerstone of management. Objective: To evaluate the rate of positive response to FGHT and to determine the time to castration resistance (CR) and associated factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study including 258 patients with PCa treated at the Pointe-à-Pitre Clinic (CPAP) in Kinshasa between January 2014 and January 2025. Results: The mean age was 70.7 years (range: 53 - 94). Most patients presented with advanced, high-risk or metastatic disease (94.6%). A positive response to FGHT was observed in 82.1% of patients. An initial PSA ≥100 ng/mL, the elevated SGOT levels (≥38 U/L), the presence of metastases at diagnosis, the high ISUP grade (3 - 5), advanced tumor stage (cT3 - cT4), and high or very high risk classification according to D’Amico/NCCN/STAMPEDE were several factors significantly associated with the development of CR. The median time to CR, estimated by Kapan-Meier analysis, was 18 months. The median overall survival was 28 months. The overall mortality rate was 15.8%. Conclusion: In our setting, PCa predominantly affects men aged 70 - 79 years and is most often diagnosed at an advanced stage. FGHT shows substantial efficacy, with a high rate of positive response. CR develops progressively, allowing many patients to remain hormone-sensitive after five years. FGHT therefore remains a valuable therapeutic option in resource-limited settings.