four (1 votes)
Healthcare Prof:
4 (2 votes)
A new study has identified that many male cancer survivors who develop testosterone deficiency soon after receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy have an impaired good quality of life and reduced power levels. Published early on the web in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study suggests that young male cancer survivors with testosterone deficiency could benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.
Testosterone deficiency can be a late side effect of radiation therapy and chemotherapy that occurs in approximately 15 percent of male cancer survivors. Investigators led by Professor Richard Ross, MD, FRCP, of the University of Sheffield inside the United Kingdom examined the relationship in between testosterone levels, top quality of life, self-esteem, fatigue and sexual function in 176 young male cancer survivors compared with 213 young men with out cancer.
Young male cancer survivors mentioned they skilled a marked impairment in high quality of life, together with reduced energy levels and high quality of sexual function. These experiences were exacerbated in survivors with testosterone deficiency. Psychological distress was not elevated, self-esteem was normal, and sexual relationships had been not impaired in male cancer survivors, nonetheless.
Professor Ross commented: “This is an important study demonstrating that low testosterone levels are typical in male cancer survivors and connected with an impaired top quality of life. Nonetheless, the relationship among testosterone levels and good quality of life is complex and appears to depend on a threshold level instead of on a direct correlation. We now need to have interventional trials with testosterone to figure out which young male cancer survivors will benefit from replacement therapy.”
Article: “Quality of life, self-esteem, fatigue and sexual function in young men following cancer: a controlled cross-sectional study.” Diana M. Greenfield, Stephen J. Walters, Robert E. Coleman, Barry W. Hancock, John A. Snowden, Stephen M. Shalet, Leonard R. DeRogatis, Richard J.M. Ross. Cancer; Published On the internet: February 22, 2010 (DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24898).
Source:
David Sampson
American Cancer Society