Aim: The aim of the present review is to analyze different modalities of ADT, emphasizing advantages and possible related adverse sexual events.
Method: A systematic search of published evidence was performed using Medline (from 1969 to September 2011).
Main Outcome Measure: The most important studies regarding the relationship among testosterone, PC, and the role of ADT were reviewed.
Results: There is unequivocal evidence that reducing androgen signaling to the hypogonadal range can reduce PC growth and patient symptoms; however, androgen dependency of prostate growth is evident only in the hypogonadal condition but not in the eugonadal state (the "saturation hypothesis"). There is clear evidence that ADT improves disease-free and overall survival only under two conditions: (i) in combination with primary radiation for locally advanced or high-risk diseases and (ii) as an adjuvant therapy for positive lymph node diseases after prostatectomy. On the other hand, it should be recognized that ADT can adversely affect not only traditional CV risk factor (including serum lipoproteins, insulin sensitivity, and obesity) but also sexual life, being associated with reduced libido and erectile, ejaculatory, and orgasmic disorders.
Conclusions: Physicians should weigh the risk/benefit ratio before prescribing ADT.
Written by:
Corona G, Gacci M, Baldi E, Mancina R, Forti G, Maggi M. Are you the author?
Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Urology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Reference: J Sex Med. 2012 Jan 16. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02590.x
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22248394
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