Prevalence of hot flushes during and after neoadjuvant hormonal therapy for localized prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the prevalence of hot flushes after neoadjuvant hormonal therapy.


METHODS
Forty-three patients who received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy before radical prostatectomy were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding hot flushes.


RESULTS
Complete information was available for 35 of the 43 patients. No hot flushes were noted in 20%; in 69%, hot flushes were noted during treatment but resolved after termination of treatment; and in 11%, hot flushes continued for at least 3 months after cessation of hormonal therapy. Analyzing the data with respect to duration of hormonal therapy showed that patients receiving neoadjuvant hormonal therapy for more than 4 months had the highest incidence of persistent hot flushes.


CONCLUSIONS
Hot flushes will be noted in 80% of patients who receive neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. In approximately 10%, hot flushes will continue for a significant period after hormonal therapy is terminated. Patients should be apprised of this potential side effect.
Schow
D A
DA
Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Tex 78234-6200, USA.
Renfer
L G
LG
Rozanski
T A
TA
Thompson
I M
IM
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005485:Flutamide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D005485:Flutamide; D016729:Leuprolide