Complications of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Androgen deprivation as a form of treatment for prostate cancer has been used for decades. Within the last decade, however, there has been a significant increase in its use. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the physician to be familiar with the side effects associated with this treatment.

Some of the side effects such as osteoporosis, changes in lipid profiles, and anemia may have significant morbidity associated with them, while other side effects such as impotence, decreased libido, fatigue, and hot flashes primarily affect the patient's quality of life. Prevention strategies and treatments exist for many of these side effects.

This review will update physicians treating patients with androgen deprivation therapy on the side effects associated with this treatment. Once physicians are aware of the potential side effects, they can educate patients on what to expect when starting androgen deprivation therapy. More importantly, physicians can now prevent some of these complications prior to their occurrence, and when these complications occur they have knowledge of the latest treatments.