Estradiol for the mitigation of adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCA) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Conventional endocrine treatment for PCA leads to global sex steroid deprivation. The ensuing severe hypogonadism is associated with well-documented adverse effects. Recently, it has become apparent that many of the biological actions attributed to androgens in men are in fact not direct, but mediated by estradiol. Available evidence supports a primary role for estradiol in vasomotor stability, skeletal maturation and maintenance, and prevention of fat accumulation. Hence there has been interest in revisiting estradiol as a treatment for PCA. Potential roles for estradiol could be in lieu of conventional androgen depr..