High dose dexamethasone and base of brain irradiation for hormone refractory metastatic carcinoma of the prostate

High dose dexamethasone combined with irradiation to the base of the brain achieved a dramatic beneficial effect in two terminal cases of widespread metastatic carcinoma of the prostate involving cranial nerves and the entire skeleton. Pain requiring very large doses of analgesics and anemia requiring blood transfusions every 3–4 weeks were improved rapidly. No further transfusions were needed.