Z E RO - THE END OF P ROS TAT E CANCE R EDUCAT I ON NEWS L E T T E R
Winter 2021
that lead to empowering participants with knowledge that comes from experience. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many support groups are now meeting virtually and while we all miss in-person meetings, we are proud of our Support Group Leaders who have made this pivot to keep everyone safe. Now, finding support and information can be as convenient as sitting down at your computer and joining a ZOOM call with the click of a button. To find a Support Group Meeting go to: www.zerocancer.org/supportgroups
relaxation techniques can also make a difference. Rarely do men have to discontinue therapy because of these hot flashes. Similarly, patients can combat the increased fatigue by remaining active, eating healthy, and maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle. Many men also experience changes in sexual function. This may manifest as a decrease in erectile function, a decrease in libido, or a decreased interest in sexual activity. There are many pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies available to address issues with erectile dysfunction and you should not hesitate to discuss this with your doctor. Long-term side effects of hormone therapy include osteoporosis and heart disease. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity to help offset the effects of hormone therapy on bone density and cardiovascular health. It is also important to supplement your diet with Calcium (1200- 1500mg) and Vitamin D (1500IU-2000IU) daily. In addition, your urologist or oncologist may discuss the benefits of supplemental pharmacological therapies that can further reduce the risk of developing treatment-related osteoporosis. The risk of osteoporosis increases the longer patients are on therapy. Your urologist or oncologist may perform periodic bone density scans to monitor your bone health. If you have a history of heart disease, be sure to continue regular check-ups with your primary care physician or cardiologist during hormone treatment. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer continues to remain a mainstay in the management of patients with more advanced disease. Men are living longer than ever following diagnosis. As a result, the impact related to the potential side effects from hormone therapy has increased as well. Fortunately, most side effects can be managed so that there is minimal effect on overall quality of life. Do not hesitate to have a discussion about side effects that you may be experiencing with your treating physician. No patient should have to suffer silently.
ADT Side Effects Mark Kellerman, M.D., Urology Center of Iowa
In 1941, two scientists, Charles Huggins and Clarence Hodges, discovered that prostate cancer cell growth was stimulated by the presence of androgens in the body. Decreasing the level of testosterone in the body led to tumor regression. This groundbreaking discovery ushered in the era of hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
Today, most men receive this therapy through an injection that is administered 2 or 3 times per year. The FDA also recently approved the first oral agent for achieving testosterone blockade. Fortunately, most patients respond well to therapy and will often receive the therapy for years or in some patients, even decades. As a result, most patients are subject to the development of both short and long term side effects related to hormone therapy. The primary short-term side effects are hot flashes and fatigue. About 70% of men will experience these during treatment. For most men they are manageable, but for those patients who experience a significant decrease in quality of life, there are many options. Antidepressant medications and progesterone derivatives are just a few of them. Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and minimizing stress through
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