Testosterone Therapy and Risk of Recurrence After Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Evidence-Based Answer: Men with symptomatic androgen deprivation who have had clinically curative treatment for organ-confined prostate cancer may have symptomatic improvement with testosterone replacement therapy. (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: C, based on two small case series.) There are no studies evaluating the risk of cancer recurrence in patients receiving testosterone replacement therapy. However, testosterone replacement therapy may be associated with increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. (SOR: C, based on one case report.) Some men discontinue therapy because their symptoms do not improve. (SOR: C, based on a small case series.)