**5. Conclusions**

In the past 25 years, IAS has developed from an unproven theoretical framework to a promising therapeutic option for subgroups of prostate cancer patients equal to CAS in respect to overall survival. Many questions in regard to the most suitable patient population and the optimal application of IAS remain to be investigated. With the exception of the frequency of hot flashes the improvement of other side effects of androgen suppression by intermittent therapy needs further careful assessment. This can be supported by determination of laboratory parameters of bone matrix turnover, blood chemistry and lipid profiles and correlation with the clinical characteristics. Last but not least, the reduced costs of intermittent therapy are expected to promote a more general application.
