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Published on: March 6, 2018
Testosterone Therapy in Men With Prostate Cancer.
Alan L Kaplan1, Jim C Hu2, Abraham Morgentaler3
1Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Testosterone therapy is now considered safe for men with prostate cancer, challenging previous beliefs. Current evidence suggests it does not increase cancer risk or progression, offering benefits for testosterone deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Urology
- Oncology
Background:
- Historically, testosterone therapy was contraindicated in men with prostate cancer due to concerns about promoting cancer growth.
- Recent research and a paradigm shift in understanding challenge this long-held contraindication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze current literature on the effects of testosterone replacement therapy in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of testosterone therapy in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive Medline search was conducted to identify relevant publications.
- Studies included both treated and untreated prostate cancer patients receiving testosterone therapy.
Main Results:
- Current evidence indicates that high endogenous androgen levels do not increase prostate cancer risk.
- Testosterone therapy in men with testosterone deficiency does not appear to elevate prostate cancer risk or disease aggressiveness.
- Post-treatment and active surveillance patients on testosterone therapy have not shown increased recurrence or adverse progression events.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone therapy may be a viable option for selected men with prostate cancer experiencing testosterone deficiency.
- The historical contraindication for testosterone use in prostate cancer patients is unfounded with careful monitoring.
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