Nonsteroidal antiandrogens: a therapeutic option for patients with advanced prostate cancer who wish to retain sexual interest and function

A Fluorescent Indicator To Visualize Activities of the Androgen Receptor Ligands in Single Living Cells

“…The transcriptional activity of the AR is suppressed in prostate-cancer treatment by using drugs that act as AR antagonists. [4,5] Certain environmental/ industrial chemicals have been linked to the developmental and reproductive defects in wildlife and humans. [6] These chemicals mimic or block the natural androgen activities in the living body by binding with the AR.…”

Quality of Life Aspects of Treatment Options for Localized and Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer

“…Indeed, loss of libido and erectile capability may occur in more than 80% of patients [25]. Testosterone deficiency caused by castration can also lead to a reduction in bone mineral density and an increase in osteoporotic fractures, which cause considerable morbidity and impact on quality of life [26, 27].…”

“…For other non-steroidal antiandrogens used in monotherapy, such as flutamide, quality of life data are limited and are largely based on interview rather than self-assessment [25]. In a comparative Phase III study, flutamide treatment was associated with gynaecomastia in 30–50% of patients with advanced cancer [32].…”

Is there a role for antiandrogen monotherapy in patients with metastatic prostate cancer?

“…By maintaining levels of circulating testosterone, non-steroidal antiandrogens have less of an impact on patients' libido and sexual potency. 5 As a result of increasing awareness of prostate cancer and advances in early detection, patients are being treated at an earlier stage of their disease. In the future, patients with metastatic prostate cancer will probably have less tumour burden and better performance status, and therefore will require treatment which has minimal impact on their quality of life.…”