Pros and Cons to Using Androgen Deprivation
Therapy in Prostate Cancer
by Valerian
D.
zone3
The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. Its role is to
produce some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation.
After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of
cancer diagnosed in men. Many studies have been shown for a long time that
the growth of prostate cancer cells is driven by androgens. Current
treatment options for prostate cancer include watchful waiting, surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation, or androgen deprivation therapy (also referred to
as hormonal therapy).
Androgens play a significant role in
promoting the development and progression of prostate cancer. As a
consequence, androgen ablation or blockade of androgen action through the
androgen receptor (AR) has been the basic element in therapy of advanced
prostate cancer. Statistics have demonstrated that different strategies
involving this hormonal therapy produce a major clinical response in most
of the patients. Statistics also show that most responders eventually lose
dependency, resulting in mortality. Remaining controversial, hormonal
therapy is still used as statistics also concluded the improvement of
overall survival rates, especially in patients with advanced prostate
cancer. One after another, patients with advanced disease clearly have a
benefit from androgen deprivation-based treatment.
Since androgen
deprivation therapy is associated with side effects such as loss of
libido, hot flashes, night sweats, psychological stress, osteoporosis,
anemia, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, glucose intolerance, and changes in
lipid profile, researchers are trying now to determine if this treatment
has a definite benefit for patients with localized prostate cancer. In
addition, researchers are trying to evaluate if some patients with
localized prostate cancer are better candidates for androgen deprivation
therapy than others. Evaluation also continues into its optimal timing and
scheduling.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting
men such as prostate cancer
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