Testosterone replacement therapy and prostate cancer: a word of caution

Curr Urol Rep. 2007 May;8(3):185-9. doi: 10.1007/s11934-007-0004-x.

Abstract

The number of men for whom testosterone is prescribed is rapidly increasing. The aging man normally demonstrates a gradual decline in testosterone. Symptoms of hypogonadism include erectile dysfunction, diminished libido, sarcopenia, increased adiposity, osteopenia and osteoporosis, impaired cognition, and depression. There is a paucity of data regarding both efficacy and safety of testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone levels have been shown to modulate prostate cancer risk and progression. A prospective evaluation of prostate cancer risk with testosterone replacement therapy has not been conducted. We outline concerns and recommendations for the use of testosterone replacement therapy in the aging man.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Disease Progression
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / complications
  • Hypogonadism / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / blood
  • Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia / chemically induced
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / complications
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Testosterone / adverse effects*
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Testosterone / deficiency
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Testosterone
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen