Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2025
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Gonadal Function in Male Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Treated With Sunitinib
Alberto Dalla Volta1, Andrea Delbarba2, Francesca Valcamonico3
1Medical Oncology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; alberto.dallavolta@gmail.com.
Background/Aim:
Single-agent tyrosine kinase inhibitors are still prescribed as first-line treatment to a relevant subgroup of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). These agents are known to cause disfunction of many endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid). In this two-step trial, we aimed to assess gonadal function among male patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib.
Patients And Methods:
We enrolled a first cross-sectional cohort of pre-treated (>6 months) patients and a subsequent cohort of treatment-naïve patients who were prospectively followed-up. All patients were screened for hypogonadism and received a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) questionnaire at study entry and after 6 months of therapy. Patients who were candidates for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) also received a FACT-G questionnaire at baseline and 3 months after supplementation.
Results:
Among the 30 enrolled patients, the prevalence of hypogonadism was found to be higher in those receiving sunitinib for a longer period (27.3% at baseline, 41.7% in the first 6 months, and 68.4% after 9 months of therapy). The testosterone level of patients correlated with quality of life (R=0.32). A total of six patients received TRT, with a significant improvement in their global quality of life after the first 3 months of treatment.
Conclusion:
An increasing prevalence of hypogonadism was seen among male patients who received long-term treatment with sunitinib. TRT was associated with relevant improvements in quality of life. These findings corroborate similar published observations and encourage the assessment of gonadal function in male patients with mRCC under treatment with sunitinib.
Insights
Sunitinib treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) increases hypogonadism risk in men. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) significantly improved quality of life in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Urology
Background:
- Sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).
- Endocrine dysfunction, including gonadal issues, is a known side effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- Assessing gonadal function in male mRCC patients treated with sunitinib is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate gonadal function in male patients with mRCC receiving sunitinib.
- To determine the prevalence of hypogonadism during sunitinib therapy.
- To assess the impact of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A two-step trial involving cross-sectional and prospective cohorts of mRCC patients.
- Screening for hypogonadism and administration of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) questionnaire.
- Evaluation of TRT effects on quality of life in eligible patients.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of hypogonadism increased with longer sunitinib treatment duration (27.3% to 68.4%).
- Testosterone levels positively correlated with patient quality of life (R=0.32).
- Six patients receiving TRT showed significant quality of life improvements after 3 months.
Conclusions:
- Long-term sunitinib treatment is associated with a rising prevalence of hypogonadism in male mRCC patients.
- Testosterone replacement therapy demonstrates significant benefits for quality of life.
- Routine assessment of gonadal function is recommended for male mRCC patients on sunitinib.
More Related Videos
06:38A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
13:19Quantifying Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity in a Tumor Spheroid Model: Application for Drug Discovery
Published on: April 26, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
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....
01:11Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
01:21Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
01:17Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...