March 13, 2006
Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy
A new study examines the effects of hormone therapy in prostate cancer patients. This treatment, otherwise known as "androgen deprivation therapy" because it blocks testosterone production, can cause a slew of side effects in patients, including sexual dysfunction. However, it can also cause symptoms that are more difficult to pin down such as fatigue, memory problems, irritability, and general malaise. According to the study, these side effects are most likely not caused by the hormone therapy, but are due to the age of the patients and the fact that they are fighting advanced forms of prostate cancer. (Reuters)
