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COMPLICATIONS OF ANDROGEN-DEPRIVATION THERAPY FOR MEN WITH PROSTATE
CANCER
Adrian Dobs
Professor of Medicine and Oncology, The John Hopkins University School
of Medicine, Baltimore, USA adobs@jhu.edu
Prostate cancer is being diagnosed with increasing frequency both
because of the accessibility of the PSA screening test and the aging
population. The relationship between testosterone and prostate cancer
has been appreciated by Huggins, who was awarded a Nobel Prize for
his observations. Androgen deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a common
treatment option for men who have a rising PSA after primary treatment
for their cancers.
ADT, by either surgical or medical castration, results in numerous
side effects which can affect quality of life in the cancer patient.
Complications of ADT include reduced sexual function, quality of
life, and bone density. In addition, treatment results in worsening
of their metabolic profile, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular
disease.
The use of ADT is a model to document the effects of male hypogonadism.
Attempts should be made to limit the use of ADT where possible,
and/or address some of these complications by both early detection
and treatment.
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