Complications of androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Clin Prostate Cancer. 2003 Dec;2(3):147-52. doi: 10.3816/cgc.2003.n.022.

Abstract

With the increasing indications for the use of androgen-deprivation therapy in the treatment of men with prostate cancer, side effects of the therapy deserve greater attention. Side effects such as hot flashes, decreased libido, decreased sexual function, and fatigue primarily affect the patients quality of life. Other side effects such as osteoporosis and changes in lipid profiles may also affect the patients overall health. Treatments such as estrogen, megestrol acetate, antidepressants, and bisphosphonates are useful in the management of many of the deleterious side effects of androgen deprivation. In addition, alternative management strategies such as intermittent androgen ablation and antiandrogen monotherapy may be useful in minimizing side effects caused by androgen ablation. Patients and physicians should be well aware of the potential side effects of androgen-deprivation therapy as well as the preventive and treatment strategies for these side effects in order to improve patients quality of life and health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Hot Flashes / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Leuprolide / adverse effects*
  • Leuprolide / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Osteoporosis / chemically induced*
  • Osteoporosis / prevention & control
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Diphosphonates
  • Leuprolide