Start-Stop Hormone Therapy For Prostate Cancer May Have Benefits

Intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) seems to be as effective as continuous androgen deprivation (CAD), and may offer advantages with respect to sexual potency.

This conclusion is based on a review of data from 19 phase 2 and eight phase 3 clinical trials of IAD for prostate cancer treatment reported over a recent 10-year period. Sexual dysfunction, hot flushes, and fatigue are well-known adverse effects of androgen deprivation.

IAD allows for hormonal recovery by alternating androgen blockade with treatment cessation. The literature review, detailed in European Urology (2010;57:49-59), indicated that IAD was comparable to CAD in terms of biochemical progression, progression-free survival, and overall survival.

In addition, IAD demonstrated tolerability benefits, particularly in terms of sexual function.

From the February 01, 2010 Issue of Renal and Urology News