Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Impact of Pre-treatment Testosterone Levels on Severity of Adverse Effects in Men on Androgen Deprivation Therapy for
Milena Braga1, Thomas G Travison2,3, Mary-Ellen Taplin4
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Background:
Men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer experience various adverse effects. Those with higher pre-treatment testosterone levels often express concerns about experiencing increased severity of these side effects, but this association has not been studied previously.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to assess the association of pre-treatment testosterone levels with changes in body composition, physical function, sexual function, and energy in men undergoing 24 weeks of ADT.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-nine men were assessed at baseline and after 24 weeks of ADT. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Energy and vitality were evaluated using the Hypogonadism Energy Diary, and sexual function was assessed using the Sexual Arousal, Interest, and Drive scale. Physical function was assessed using the PF-10 subscale of the Short Form-36 Health Survey. Total and free testosterone levels were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis, respectively. The association between pre-treatment testosterone levels and variables of interest was tested using linear regression analysis.
Results And Discussion:
At 24 weeks, the mean serum total testosterone level declined from 471 ± 157 to 7.7 ± 4.5 ng/dL, total fat mass increased by 3.7 kg (p < 0.0001), and total lean mass decreased by 2.2 kg (p < 0.0001). Participants experienced a decline in physical function, overall energy, and sexual desire. Pre-treatment testosterone levels were not associated with the magnitude of worsening in any of these outcomes.
Conclusion:
Severity of adverse effects of ADT is not influenced by pre-treatment testosterone levels. This finding allows clinicians and patients to make informed decisions regarding treatment.
Related Concept Videos
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....
01:08Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
01:29Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...