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Bipolar Androgen Therapy: When Excess Fuel Extinguishes the Fire
Nima Nabavi1,2, Seied Rabi Mahdavi3, Mohammad Afshar Ardalan4
1Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran.
Biomedicines
|July 29, 2023
Summary
Bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) offers a novel strategy for advanced prostate cancer by alternating testosterone levels to inhibit cancer growth. This approach may overcome resistance to standard treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is standard for advanced prostate cancer but leads to castration resistance.
- Novel hormonal agents may cause toxicities and select for androgen receptor (AR)-independent cells.
- New strategies are needed to overcome treatment resistance and toxicity in advanced prostate cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms and clinical evidence for Bipolar Androgen Therapy (BAT) in advanced prostate cancer.
- To explore BAT as a potential alternative to overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies investigating the effects of supraphysiological testosterone on prostate cancer growth.
- Description of BAT protocol involving alternating testosterone levels with concurrent ADT.
Main Results:
- BAT demonstrates paradoxical inhibitory effects on prostate cancer growth.
- BAT is effective and well-tolerated, improving quality of life.
- BAT may re-sensitize patients to prior hormonal therapies post-progression.
Conclusions:
- BAT presents a promising new therapeutic strategy for advanced prostate cancer.
- BAT may overcome resistance mechanisms associated with prolonged ADT or novel hormonal agents.
- Further research into BAT is warranted to establish its role in prostate cancer management.
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