Androgen deprivation therapy--managing side effects.
BACKGROUND
Prostate cancer is the most common nondermatologic cancer in Australian men. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as a modality of treatment is being increasingly used much earlier and for a longer period of time. Its various regimens all have side effects which influence the patient's health and quality of life.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses practical evidence based management options for treating the short and long term side effects of ADT.


CONCLUSIONS
The side effects of ADT can be categorised as sexual, physical, metabolic, emotional and systemic. A combination of prediction and early recognition is useful in diagnosing side effects. Tailored strategies are available to combat the problems.
Kabir
Shahrir
S
Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales. skabir1@gmail.com
Mancuso
Pascal
P
Rashid
Prem
P
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal