Richard Lam, MD – Prostate Oncology Specialists Marina del Rey, CA
In this presentation, Dr. Lam points out that prostate cancer patients suffering a relapse have a much longer life expectancy than patients with many other types of cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT, also called hormone blockade or testosterone inactivating pharmaceuticals) is a primary treatment of recurrent prostate cancer. It can have toxicities (side effects), but many of these toxicities can be reduced or eliminated through combinations of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.
Among the ADT side effects, and related counter strategies, that Dr. Lam discusses are bone mineral density loss, anemia, loss of libido, hot flashes, muscle mass loss, increased sugar and cholesterol levels, breast enlargement (gynecomastia), memory loss, and liver damage.
This presentation was one of several given at the Prostate Cancer Research Institute’s September, 2006 conference “Improving Treatment and Quality of Life For Men with Recurrent and Advanced Prostate Cancer” held in Los Angeles, CA, USA. The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve the quality of men’s lives by supporting research and disseminating information that educates and empowers patients, families and the medical community[1].
[add] [index] References
- ↑ Management of Toxicities Related to Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), Prostate Cancer Research Institute