Testosterone Therapy in Advanced Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Androgen deprivation therapy is a mainstay of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) but the resulting low testosterone levels leave men susceptible to a multitude of adverse effects. These can include vasomotor symptoms, reduced sexual desire and performance, and mood changes. Testosterone therapy (TTh) in advanced PCa has historically been contraindicated since Huggins and Hodges reported that testosterone activates PCa. Although TTh has been demonstrated to be safe in patients who have undergone treatment for localized PCa, there is extremely limited evidence on its safety in advanced PCa. Despite the lack of evidence, some men with advanced PCa still inquire about TTh, and recent publications have described its use. In this article, we review the potential implications of TTh in men with advanced PCa, defined here as biochemical recurrence after localized therapy or metastatic PCa that is either hormone sensitive or castration resistant.