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Testosterone administration to men with testosterone deficiency syndrome after external beam radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer: preliminary observations
Author(s) -
Morales Alvaro,
Black Angela M.,
Emerson Laurel E.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2008.07882.x
Subject(s) - prostate cancer , medicine , testosterone (patch) , urology , prostate , external beam radiotherapy , radiation therapy , prostate specific antigen , erectile dysfunction , adverse effect , cancer , endocrinology , oncology
OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of testosterone supplementation in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for localized prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five men with significant signs of TDS after treatment for localized prostate cancer with EBRT were treated with testosterone once their prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level had reached the nadir. RESULTS The mean (range) level of testosterone before supplementation was 5.2 (1.1–9.2) nmol/L and the duration of follow‐up while on supplementation was 14.5 (6–27) months. At the last visit, the testosterone levels were 17.6 (8.5–32.4) nmol/L. One of the five patients had a transitory increase in PSA level but none had levels of >1.5 ng/mL. All patients reported a marked response in the manifestations of TDS, i.e. four each reported decreased hot flushes, decreased fatigue and improved libido, and two reported improved erectile function. CONCLUSION Men with TDS after EBRT for localised prostate cancer are candidates for testosterone therapy. The patients must be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment. PSA levels must have reached a nadir before starting treatment and the follow‐up must be particularly close. In these few patients there were no adverse effects from testosterone supplementation. There is a need for more information about the safety and efficacy of testosterone therapy in men successfully treated for localized prostate cancer, because there is evidence indicating hypogonadism in these patients, compromising their quality of life and longevity, independent of the cancer.