New: NCI-funded clinical trial search
Mednet Logo

Do you consider estrogen patches in treatment of prostate cancer?

3 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Medical Oncology · VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Answered on · Updated on

Oral estrogenic formulation (such as DES) was historically used for androgen suppression in prostate cancer patients. This was based on the principle that estrogen decreased serum testosterone levels by suppressing luteinizing hormone production through a negative feedback loop on the hypothalamus and pituitary. However, oral estrogen as a mean of androgen suppression was eventually abandoned because of significant concerns for thromboembolic and cardiovascular adverse effects. Currently, LHRH-directed therapy is the mainstay of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients. Nevertheless, cardiovascular, metabolic, and estrogen-depleting effects (hot-flush, osteoporosis) remain major concerns associated with LHRH-directed agents....

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Medical Oncology · University of Minnesota-Masonic Cancer Center
Answered on

No, I have not, and I would advise against it.

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer

Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Medical Oncology · Johns Hopkins University
Answered on

No, I don't. I would not use estrogens in any space. There is plenty of data with estrogens at different doses, routes of administration, various preparations, etc. I don't see any reason to elaborate here, nor do I think it is worth (in my opinion) revisiting this.

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer