Erectile function and nocturnal penile tumescence in patients with prostate cancer undergoing luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist therapy.
BACKGROUND
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists have been widely used as effective agents in endocrine therapy for prostate cancer. Continuous administration of the drug results in profound suppression of testicular androgen production. However, the side effects on erectile function have not been fully investigated.


METHODS
We studied the influences of testosterone suppression on male sexual function and nocturnal penile tumescence in nine sexually active patients with prostate cancer who were treated with an LHRH agonist.


RESULTS
Following reduction of serum testosterone concentrations to a castration level by the administration of the LHRH agonist, sexual desire, sexual interest and sexual intercourse were totally annulled, with significant changes in frequency, magnitude, duration and rigidity of nocturnal erections observed in all patients.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate that the LHRH agonist strongly suppresses erectile function and sexual activity. Taking into account the quality of sexual function for relatively young and sexually active patients and their partners, it is necessary to establish effective modalities that minimize the adverse effects on sexual function for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.
Marumo
K
K
Department of Urology, Tokyo Electric Power Hospital, Keio University, Japan. t0621888@pmail.tepco.co.jp
Baba
S
S
Murai
M
M
D000368:Aged; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019529:Sexuality / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D016729:Leuprolide