BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the most common nondermatologic cancer in Australian men. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as a modality of treatment is being increasingly used much earlier and for a longer period of time. Its various regimens all have side effects which influence the patient's health and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses practical evidence based management options for treating the short and long term side effects of ADT. DISCUSSION: The side effects of ADT can be categorised as sexual, physical, metabolic, emotional and systemic. A combination of prediction and early recognition is useful in diagnosing side effects. Tailored strategies are available to combat the problems.
BACKGROUND:Prostate cancer is the most common nondermatologic cancer in Australian men. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as a modality of treatment is being increasingly used much earlier and for a longer period of time. Its various regimens all have side effects which influence the patient's health and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses practical evidence based management options for treating the short and long term side effects of ADT. DISCUSSION: The side effects of ADT can be categorised as sexual, physical, metabolic, emotional and systemic. A combination of prediction and early recognition is useful in diagnosing side effects. Tailored strategies are available to combat the problems.