Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, with an estimated 191,930 new cases in 2020 in the United States alone. Treatment options for this type of cancer vary depending on its stage and other factors.

One treatment option is testosterone replacement therapy, but the use of this therapy in prostate cancer patients has been the subject of controversy for many years.

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment that involves increasing the amount of testosterone in the body. This treatment is typically used in men who have low levels of testosterone due to aging or other medical conditions.

However, testosterone replacement therapy has also been used in prostate cancer patients.

The Controversy Surrounding Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Prostate Cancer Patients

For many years, testosterone replacement therapy was considered to be dangerous for prostate cancer patients.

This is because testosterone has been shown to promote the growth of prostate cancer cells, and therefore, increasing testosterone levels through replacement therapy may worsen the cancer.

However, recent studies have suggested that testosterone replacement therapy may actually be safe for some prostate cancer patients.

These studies have found that testosterone replacement therapy may improve quality of life, including sexual function and bone density, in certain patients without increasing the risk of cancer progression.

Which Prostate Cancer Patients are Candidates for Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Not all prostate cancer patients are candidates for testosterone replacement therapy. In general, patients with high-risk or aggressive prostate cancer should not receive this therapy.

However, testosterone replacement therapy may be an option for prostate cancer patients who have undergone surgery or radiation therapy and have low levels of testosterone.

How is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Administered?

Testosterone replacement therapy can be administered in several ways, including:.

Injection: Testosterone can be injected into the muscle every two to four weeks.
Transdermal patch: A patch containing testosterone is applied to the skin daily.
Gel: Testosterone gel is applied to the skin once daily.

Monitoring Prostate Cancer Patients on Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Prostate cancer patients who are on testosterone replacement therapy must be closely monitored by their healthcare provider. This includes regular PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence or progression.

Patients should also be monitored for any side effects of testosterone replacement therapy, such as acne, mood changes, and fluid retention.

Conclusion

Testosterone replacement therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option for some prostate cancer patients.

However, it is important for patients to discuss this treatment option with their healthcare provider and determine if it is appropriate for their individual case.