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Prostate Cancer Therapy: Mental Impact?
July 29, 2008 -- A treatment most often offered for men in late stages of prostate cancer may affect mental functioning.
That's what researchers found after they reviewed the studies available on hormone therapy known as ADT.
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ADT stands for "androgen-deprivation therapy" and is the standard type of treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to the bones or other organs.
ADT lowers the level of male hormones, like testosterone, which can feed prostate cancer cell growth. Medications used for hormone therapy for prostate cancer include Lupron and Zoladex.
The data review was carried out by Christian Nelson, PhD from the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
The researchers note that few studies have been done to assess the effect of hormone therapy on mental functioning. Most have been small studies with contradictory results.
In looking at nine studies of men with prostate cancer taking ADT, the researchers found that between 47% and 69% of men receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer had declining brain function in at least one cognitive area. However, there were contradictory findings for some cognitive areas such as verbal memory.
The researchers write that there is a "strong argument" to be made that the hormone therapy is linked to "subtle but significant" cognitive declines in men with advanced prostate cancer. They urge larger and longer studies to investigate the issue further. They also suggest investigating whether known side effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer play a part in mental decline.
The researchers add that more men with earlier stages of prostate cancer are getting hormone therapy. They urge doctors to be aware of the potential downsides to the therapy so they can let their patients know and make sure they are watched for mental effects.
The review is published online in the Sept. 1 issue of Cancer.
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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