Testosterone Therapy on Active Surveillance and Following Definitive Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Testosterone therapy was historically contraindicated in prostate cancer patients.
• A paradigm shift in understanding testosterone's role in prostate cancer is occurring.
• Testosterone deficiency negatively impacts men's health and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze current literature on testosterone therapy in men with prostate cancer.
• To examine effects on patients in active surveillance and post-definitive treatment.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of testosterone therapy in this population.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of existing studies.
• Examination of data from patients on active surveillance.
• Evaluation of outcomes for patients post-definitive prostate cancer treatment.

Main Results:

• Contemporary evidence suggests testosterone therapy does not elevate prostate cancer risk or disease aggressiveness.
• Limited studies show no increased recurrence or worse outcomes in men receiving testosterone therapy for localized disease.
• No adverse progression events identified for patients on testosterone therapy during active surveillance or definitive treatments.

Conclusions:

• Testosterone therapy may be a viable option for select men with testosterone deficiency and prostate cancer.
• Re-evaluation of testosterone's role is driven by its negative health impacts.
• Further research is warranted to define optimal patient selection and monitoring.