Do IADT Risks Outweigh Benefits?

Mitch128

Of real concern to me and, perhaps, others here is the following recently released article. Since Intermittent Androgen Deprivation Therapy (IADT) is the next planned treatment in my PCa journey, I would appreciate ANY comments/feedback

"A new report published in the American Cancer Society journal, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, and in the American Heart Association journal, Circulation, reveals that androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), a type of prostate cancer treatment, can increase heart risk factors and possibly lead to heart attack or cardiac death.

A writing group of experts from the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Urological Association, and the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology published their findings that indicate that ADT leads to increased fat mass, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" form of cholesterol, and blood sugar abnormalities.

The goal of ADT is to reduce male hormonal levels in order to decrease the rate at which cancer cells grow and spread in the prostate. By limiting the two primary male androgens - testosterone and dihydrotestosterone - Western medicine theory purports that prostate cancer can be better combated. The American Cancer Society, however, admits that ADT and other forms of hormone therapy do not actually cure prostate cancer (this is a known - remission is the goal. Mitch).

The advisory panel that oversaw the study noted that, while ADT does seem to increase one's risk of having future cardiovascular problems, the patient should evaluate whether the alleged benefits of ADT are worth it in comparison. The group also stressed its belief that prostate cancer patients should consult only the physician who is actually treating the cancer for help in making the decision, without referral to any other outside specialists.

Interestingly, studies pertaining to the effects of low testosterone levels in men have determined that the condition, known as hypogonadism, leads to cardiovascular disease and death. Low serum testosterone levels are also known to increase a man's risk of developing diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia. Men who undergo ADT experience the same increased risk factors due to their testosterone levels being artificially reduced.

Many men who have undergone ADT also experience long-term difficulty achieving proper testosterone levels following the treatment. Many have reported that they are unable to sustain proper male hormonal levels at all following ADT, summoning them to a life of illness and premature death.

If ADT does not cure prostate cancer and permanently blocks male hormones from properly circulating in the body, why would anyone endorse such a treatment? There does not seem to be any logical answer to this question other than that it is recommended by mainstream cancer experts to assist in treatment; therefore, many simply jump on the bandwagon."

Thanks, Mitch

bdhilton

Mitch…I can give you
Mitch…

I can give you many web sites on the topic but I am sure you have searched this well by now...Youi post is well presented and important question. Many here are waiting for the “hammer” to come down and like you I would question any treatment until I understood the risks associated with them and more importantly how it impacts my quality of life… I know how some professional would spin the advantages but at the end make the decision that makes sense to you only…

My heart goes out to you in this decision…God bless

B

142

ADT / HT
Since I have exhausted the Surgery / Radiation path, HT / ADT are my "next steps", should I be forced to the next battlefield.

I just hope that the time between "now" and "then" will allow for a miracle cure, but then we know better than that.

Mitch128

bdhilton said:

Mitch…I can give you
Mitch…

I can give you many web sites on the topic but I am sure you have searched this well by now...Youi post is well presented and important question. Many here are waiting for the “hammer” to come down and like you I would question any treatment until I understood the risks associated with them and more importantly how it impacts my quality of life… I know how some professional would spin the advantages but at the end make the decision that makes sense to you only…

My heart goes out to you in this decision…God bless

B

Do IADT Risks Outweigh Benefits?


Very comprehensive and well researched reply to my same post from Jim (IADTsince2000) on HealthBoards. If my post shows zero replies, refresh you browser.

I am, based on Jim's reply and after reading Dr. Snuffy Myers book "Beating Prostate Cancer: Hormonal Therapy & Diet", proceeding cautiously with IADT. My first appointment is next Tuesday, with Dr. Gary Spitzer, who is a Medical Oncologist here Greenville, South Carolina. I made it clear when making the appointment that the purpose is for information gathering and free exchange of information only.

Thanks for your comments, Mitch