Hormone therapy of prostate cancer: is there a role for antiandrogen monotherapy?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2026
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
1Professorial Unit of Medical Oncology, University and National Tumor Institute, Genoa, Italy.
Abstract:
Androgen suppressive maneuvers still represent the gold standard for prostate cancer patients. However, they are associated with side effects (fatigue, sexual impotence, hot flushes, anemia, anxiety, depression and osteoporosis) all of which have a negative impact on quality of life. Nonsteroidal antiandrogens compete with dihydrotestosterone for the linkage of its own receptors. These compounds are commonly used in combination with suppressive maneuvers. However, there is a growing experience with them as monotherapy, based on the possibility to spare gonadal function and therefore prevent the effects related to its suppression. Many studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of this approach, which can represent a valuable alternative to suppressive maneuvers for patients wishing to retain sexual function, especially for those without distant metastases. Unfortunately, none of the comparative studies performed so far had the power to detect the equivalence between monotherapy and castration.
Insights
Nonsteroidal antiandrogens offer a prostate cancer treatment alternative by sparing gonadal function, potentially improving quality of life. Further studies are needed to confirm their equivalence to traditional androgen suppression therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Androgen suppressive maneuvers are standard for prostate cancer but cause significant side effects impacting quality of life.
- Nonsteroidal antiandrogens (NSAAs) are used with suppressive maneuvers or increasingly as monotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of nonsteroidal antiandrogen monotherapy in prostate cancer patients.
- To explore NSAA monotherapy as an alternative to androgen suppression, preserving gonadal function and sexual health.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies investigating nonsteroidal antiandrogen monotherapy for prostate cancer.
- Analysis of safety, efficacy, and impact on quality of life compared to traditional treatments.
Main Results:
- Nonsteroidal antiandrogen monotherapy demonstrates feasibility and safety.
- This approach can preserve gonadal function, mitigating side effects of androgen suppression.
- It is a potential alternative for patients desiring to retain sexual function, particularly those without distant metastases.
Conclusions:
- Nonsteroidal antiandrogen monotherapy is a viable option for select prostate cancer patients.
- Further comparative studies are required to establish equivalence with castration, especially for detecting subtle differences.
Related Concept Videos
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:22Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...