Complications of androgen deprivation therapy: prevention and treatment.
Androgen deprivation, as a form of treatment for prostate cancer, has been used for decades. Within the last decade, however, its use has increased significantly. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the physician to be familiar with the side effects associated with this treatment. Some of these side effects (eg, osteoporosis, changes in lipid profiles, and anemia) may be associated with significant morbidity, whereas others (eg, impotence, decreased libido, fatigue, and hot flashes) primarily affect the patient's quality of life. Prevention strategies and treatments exist for many of these side effects. In addition, alternative forms of antiandrogen therapy such as intermittent hormone ablation and antiandrogen monotherapy may be effective, with the added benefit of minimizing side effects. This review focuses on the wide range of side effects associated with androgen ablation as well as preventive and treatment strategies.
Holzbeierlein
Jeffrey M
JM
University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA. jholzbeierlein@kumc.edu
Castle
Erik
E
Thrasher
J Brantley
JB
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004035:Diet Therapy; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D008055:Lipids