Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Prostate Cancer Treatment?

Medically and surgically induced androgen suppression are associated with many side effects, including metabolic syndrome as well as:

• Anemia

• Breast enlargement

• Cognitive impairment

• Decreased libido

• Decreased muscle mass

• Erectile dysfunction

• Fatigue

• Fractures

• Gastrointestinal tract disturbances

• Gynecomastia

• Hot flashes

• Osteoporosis

• Pulmonary edema

• Psychological changes

• Weight gain

Of note, long-term androgen blockade for prostate cancer may also increase a patient's risk for colorectal cancer. An observational study by Gillessen and colleagues of men with prostate cancer—identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database of the National Cancer Institute—found that after adjusting for confounding, the rate of colorectal cancer was 30%-40% higher in men treated with androgen blockade than in those who were not.

For more on the adverse effects associated with androgen suppression in advanced and metastatic prostate cancer, read here.

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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Bradley Schwartz. Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Prostate Cancer Treatment? - Medscape - Apr 04, 2019.