Androgen deprivation therapy and estrogen deficiency induced adverse effects in the treatment of prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2009;12(4):333-8. doi: 10.1038/pcan.2009.35. Epub 2009 Sep 1.

Abstract

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard of care for metastatic prostate cancer and is increasingly used to treat asymptomatic patients with prostate-specific antigen recurrence after failed primary therapy. Although effective, ADT is associated with multiple adverse effects, many of which are related to the estrogen deficiency that occurs as a result of treatment. These include increased fracture risk, hot flashes, gynecomastia, serum lipid changes and memory loss. By providing clinicians with a greater awareness of the estrogen deficiency induced adverse effects from ADT, they can proactively intervene on the physical and psychological impact these effects have on patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Estrogens / deficiency*
  • Fractures, Bone / etiology
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / agonists
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Gynecomastia / etiology
  • Hot Flashes / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / chemically induced
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk
  • Testosterone / deficiency

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Estrogens
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Testosterone