Testosterone Replacement in men with Prostate Cancer. Is it safe?

Over 60 years ago, studies by Huggins et. al. revealed that lowering testosterone levels (medical castration) can cause suppression and regression of prostate cancer. From this study, Urologists and physicians have been cautious to prescribe testosterone therapy in men who have been treated for prostate cancer for fear of prostate cancer progression and/or recurrence. The dictum that many physicians practiced was lowering testosterone levels causes prostate cancer regression; then the opposite may be true, testosterone supplementation can cause prostate cancer to emerge. Since Huggins initial paper in 1941, more research and clinical trials on TRT and prostate cancer have been performed. The findings revealed:

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men with history of prostate cancer is safe.

TRT does not increase the risk of recurrence or progression of prostate cancer in men who are on active surveillance or have undergone a radical retropubic prostatectomy or radiation therapy.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is the primary screening tool used for prostate cancer. In men who undergo intramuscular injections of testosterone a slight rise in PSA is expected. This slight rise in PSA is not an indication of prostate cancer, but rather a representation of the effects of androgens on benign prostatic growth. PSA should stabilize to a new constant once steady state testosterone levels are achieved.

In a male patient planning to undergo TRT, obtaining a baseline PSA and ruling out risk factors for prostate cancer is recommended.

To learn more and obtain professional testosterone replacement therapy visit with an expert at REGENX Health.