Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Minimizing Exposure and Mitigating Side Effects

Despite common and occasionally serious side effects, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is widely used in the management of prostate cancer at all stages and presentations. ADT is frequently used in situations in which evidence of benefit is lacking, such as combined with definitive radiotherapy for favorable-risk prostate cancer, or in primary management of elderly patients with low-risk disease. In intermediate- and high-risk disease, the role of ADT is being challenged and is decreasing in importance, as the ability to deliver very high biologically effective doses becomes more widely available, especially through the combination of external radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Appropriately selecting patients for ADT according to established indications will minimize the number exposed, whereas systematic patient education before initiating treatment can ameliorate the side effects. Minimizing the exposure to ADT and efforts to mitigate the side effects may have a beneficial effect on quality of life for many men with prostate cancer.

Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians and nurses involved in the management of patients with cancer.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Select the most appropriate patients for ADT according to established indications
  • Describe methods to mitigate side effects in order to improve quality of life for men with prostate cancer
Additional information
Supporters: 

No commercial support was received for this article.

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 Participation
  • 1.00 Nurse
  • 1.00 Physician
Course opens: 
09/05/2012
Course expires: 
09/05/2013
Cost:
$0.00

Miren Gaztañaga, MD
British Columbia Cancer Agency Center for the Southern Interior
British Columbia, Canada

Juanita Crook, MD, FRCP
British Columbia Cancer Agency Center for the Southern Interior
British Columbia, Canada

Available Credit

  • 1.00 Participation
  • 1.00 Nurse
  • 1.00 Physician

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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