The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. Its role is to produce some of the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation.

After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in men. Many studies have been shown for a long time that the growth of prostate cancer cells is driven by androgens. Current treatment options for prostate cancer include watchful waiting, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or androgen deprivation therapy (also referred to as hormonal therapy).

Androgens play a significant role in promoting the development and progression of prostate cancer. As a consequence, androgen ablation or blockade of androgen action through the androgen receptor (AR) has been the basic element in therapy of advanced prostate cancer. Statistics have demonstrated that different strategies involving this hormonal therapy produce a major clinical response in most of the patients. Statistics also show that most responders eventually lose dependency, resulting in mortality. Remaining controversial, hormonal therapy is still used as statistics also concluded the improvement of overall survival rates, especially in patients with advanced prostate cancer. One after another, patients with advanced disease clearly have a benefit from androgen deprivation-based treatment.

Since androgen deprivation therapy is associated with side effects such as loss of libido, hot flashes, night sweats, psychological stress, osteoporosis, anemia, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, glucose intolerance, and changes in lipid profile, researchers are trying now to determine if this treatment has a definite benefit for patients with localized prostate cancer. In addition, researchers are trying to evaluate if some patients with localized prostate cancer are better candidates for androgen deprivation therapy than others. Evaluation also continues into its optimal timing and scheduling.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men such as prostate cancer