Adverse Events of Hormonal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Science Other Studies
#1

Adverse Events Associated with Hormonal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

FULL TEXT – pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articl … id=1477613

This article details some evidence of the side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (via 5AR inhibitors like Finasteride, and other antiandrogenic drugs) used for Prostate Cancer.

Neurologic and Psychiatric Effects
Hot Flushes
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
Endocrine Side Effects
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Erectile Dysfunction
Hematologic Adverse Effects
Biological Adverse Effects

Well worth a read.

ABSTRACT:

With expanding indications for androgen deprivation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer, it is imperative that health care providers be cognizant of the possible adverse effects of therapy, as well as their prevention and treatment.

Neurologic and psychiatric effects include depression and declines in cognitive function. Musculoskeletal effects of hormonal therapy include osteoporosis, decrease in muscle mass, and fatigue.

Gynecomastia, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction are also seen, as are hematologic effects. Further research is needed to evaluate alternative forms of therapy, such as intermittent hormonal deprivation and antiandrogen monotherapy.

#2

Managing the Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy

supportiveoncology.net/journ … 402097.pdf

Short article… interesting to note the side effects they list parallel many of our own – obviously, since we did in fact deprive ourselves of DHT, an androgen… and in some cases, ended up with low Testosterone.

Table 1

Side Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy

“Big three”:
Loss of libido
Erectile dysfunction
Hot flashes

Physical:
Weight gain
Gynecomastia
Loss of muscle mass, strength
Decreased size of penis and testes
Hair changes

Metabolic/physiologic:
Loss of bone mineral density
Anemia
Worsening of lipids, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease?

Other systemic:
Fatigue
Lack of energy
Lack of initiative
Aches and pains

Emotional/cognitive:
Depression
Emotional lability
Spatial memory

Table 2

Strategies to Address Side Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy:

Exercise
Diet
Calcium and vitamin D
Statins
Bisphosphonate therapy
Antidepressants
Erythropoietin
Erectile dysfunction therapy and couples’ counseling
Intermittent androgen deprivation therapy

#3

Androgen deprivation therapy - Managing side effects

racgp.org.au/Content/Naviga … 8kabir.pdf

Lists pretty much all the side effects we experienced thanks to the drug.