The effects of long-term androgen deprivation therapy on penile length in patients with prostate cancer: a single-center, prospective, open-label, observational study

Worldwide Temporal Trends in Penile Length: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Normative male genital measurements are clinically useful and temporal changes would have important implications. The aim of the present study is to characterize the trend of worldwide penile length over time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis using papers from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to April 2022 was performed. PRISMA guidelines were used for abstracting data and assessing data quality and validity. Pooled means and standard deviations for flaccid, stretched, and erect length were obtained. Subgroup analyses were performed by looking at differences in the region of origin, population type, and the decade of publication. Metaregression analyses were to adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Seventy-five studies published between 1942 and 2021 were evaluated including data from 55,761 men. The pooled mean length estimates were flaccid length: 8.70 cm (95% CI, 8.16-9.23), stretched length: 12.93 cm (95% CI, 12.48-13.39), and erect length: 13.93 cm (95% CI, 13.20-14.65). All measurements showed variation by geographic region. Erect length increased significantly over time (QM=4.49, df=2, p=0.04) in several regions of the world and across all age groups, while no trends were identified in other penile size measurements. After adjusting for geographic region, subject age, and subject population; erect penile length increased 24% over the past 29 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The average erect penis length has increased over the past three decades across the world. Given the significant implications, attention to potential causes should be investigated.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Penile Size Abnormalities and Dysmorphophobia: Summary of the 2023 Guidelines

CONTEXT

Recommendations regarding the management of penile size abnormalities and dysmorphophobia are important in guiding evidence-based clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To present a summary of the 2023 European Association of Urology sexual and reproductive health evidence-based recommendations for the management of penile size abnormalities and dysmorphophobia.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A broad and comprehensive scoping exercise covering all areas of the guidelines was performed. Databases searched included Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Libraries. A level of evidence and a strength of recommendation were assigned for each recommendation according to the evidence identified. The evidence cutoff date for the 2023 guidelines is June 1, 2022.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Well-structured studies reporting high level of evidence, with standardized PROMS were deficient on penile size abnormalities and dysmorphohobia. A shared definition for short penis/micropenis was also lacking. Categorisation of penile abnormalities according to congenital, acquired, and dysmorphophobic aetiology is deemed compulsory. A detailed medical and psychosexual history and precise measurements of penile size are essential in the diagnostic pathway. Patients with normal penile size who are seeking penile augmentation should be referred for psychological evaluation for potential dysmorphophobic disorders. Penile length and girth enhancements can be achieved via a multitude of treatments, but a personalised management plan is crucial for satisfactory results. Endocrinological therapies, when indicated, are effective in the prepubertal setting only. Vacuum therapy has a limited evidence base in treatment protocols, although acceptable outcomes have been reported for penile traction therapy. Surgical techniques to enhance penile length and girth have limited evidence and should only be proposed after extensive patient counselling.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of penile abnormalities and dysmorphophobia is a complex issue with considerable ethical concerns. The adoption of a structured diagnostic and therapeutic pathway is crucial, as recommended in the guidelines.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Requests for medical/surgical treatments to increase penis size have increased dramatically worldwide. Several conservative and surgical treatments are available. However, few patients receive clear information on the benefits and possible harms of these treatments. These guidelines aim to provide a structured path to guide both physicians and patients in the selection of appropriate treatment(s) to increase penis size.

Urological and Gynaecological Considerations for the Use of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Analogues in Transgender and Nonbinary Adolescents: A Narrative Review

CONTEXT

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHAs) delay the progression of puberty in transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adolescents and reduce the impact of dysphoria due to ongoing physical development. The intervention remains contentious despite growing evidence to support this practice.

OBJECTIVE

To stimulate discussion on this topical issue in the urological and gynaecological community given potential ramifications for future fertility, physical development, and options for gender affirmation surgery (GAS).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted searches of the MEDLINE (from 1946) and Embase (from 1974) databases for the benefits and potential challenges of hormone blockade in TGNB adolescents on February 1, 2022. Evidence with a primary focus on clinical issues of interest to urologists and gynaecologists was objectively synthesised and reported.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The onset of puberty represents a period of distress for TGNB adolescents as secondary sexual characteristics develop. GnRHAs are prescribed to inhibit sex hormone production, but the decision to treat should be balanced against the known (and unknown) adverse effects. Fertility preservation is more likely to be successful if GnRHA treatment is delayed for as long as possible. Some adolescents may decide to stop GnRHA use to harvest spermatozoa or oocytes before starting gender-affirming hormone treatment. Transfeminine individuals should consider that options for genital GAS may become more limited, as vaginoplasty with penile skin inversion requires an adequate stretched penile length. Transmasculine individuals may no longer require chest reconstruction for breast development.

CONCLUSIONS

Offers of GnRHA treatment to TGNB adolescents should be balanced by careful preparation and counselling. Urologists and gynaecologists can complement the expertise of specialist psychosocial and adolescent endocrinology teams, and should be involved early in and throughout the treatment pathway to maximise future functional and surgical outcomes.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Puberty blockers for transgender and nonbinary adolescents have benefits, but timing is important to preserve fertility and surgical options.

Impact of Pelvic Anatomical Changes Caused by Radical Prostatectomy

Simple Summary

After radical prostatectomy, the pelvic anatomy is altered such that the postoperative structure differs from the preoperative one, resulting in a variety of complications. In this review, the complications and mechanisms of pelvic anatomical changes associated with radical prostatectomy, as well as countermeasures, are outlined. An analysis of the anatomical mechanisms that cause complications after radical prostatectomy using imaging and other modalities is in progress. In addition, many surgical techniques that ensure the prevention of postoperative complications have been reported, and their usefulness has been evaluated. The preservation of as much periprostatic tissue and periprostatic structures as possible may lead to favorable postoperative functions, as long as the cancer condition permits.

Abstract

During radical prostatectomy, the prostate is removed along with the seminal vesicles, and the urinary tract is reconstructed by dropping the bladder onto the pelvic floor and suturing the bladder and urethra together. This process causes damage to the pelvic floor and postoperative complications due to the anatomical changes in the pelvic floor caused by the vesicourethral anastomosis. Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are major complications that impair patients’ quality of life after radical prostatectomy. In addition, the shortening of the penis and the increased prevalence of inguinal hernia have been reported. Since these postoperative complications subsequently affect patients’ quality of life, their reduction is a matter of great interest, and procedural innovations such as nerve-sparing techniques, Retzius space preservation, and inguinal hernia prophylaxis have been developed. It is clear that nerve sparing is useful for preserving the erectile function, and nerve sparing, urethral length preservation, and Retzius sparing are useful for urinary continence. The evaluation of pre- and postoperative imaging to observe changes in pelvic anatomy is also beginning to clarify why these techniques are useful. Changes in pelvic anatomy after radical prostatectomy are inevitable and, therefore, postoperative complications cannot be completely eliminated; however, preserving as much of the tissue and structure around the prostate as possible, to the extent that prostate cancer control is not compromised, may help reduce the prevalence of postoperative complications.

International Continence Society (ICS) report on the terminology for sexual health in men with lower urinary tract (LUT) and pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

The terminology for sexual health in men with lower urinary tract (LUT) and pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction has not been defined and organized into a clinically based consensus terminology report. The aim of this terminology report is to provide a definitional document within this context that will assist clinical practice and research.

METHODS

This report combines the input of the members of sexual health in men with LUT and PF Dysfunction working group of the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by external referees. Appropriate core clinical categories and a sub-classification were developed to give coding to definitions. An extensive process of 18 rounds of internal and external review was involved to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus). The Committee retained evidence-based definitions, identified gaps, and updated or discarded outdated definitions. Expert opinions were used when evidence was insufficient or absent.

RESULTS

A terminology report for sexual health in men with LUT and PF dysfunction, encompassing 198 (178 NEW) separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically based with the most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different speciality groups involved. Conservative and surgical managements are major additions and appropriate figures have been included to supplement and clarify the text. Emerging concepts and measurements, in use in the literature and offering further research potential, but requiring further validation, have been included as an appendix. Interval (5-10 years) review is anticipated to keep the document updated.

CONCLUSION

A consensus-based terminology report for sexual health in men with LUT and PF dysfunction has been produced to aid clinical practice and research. The definitions that have been adopted are those that are most strongly supported by the literature at this time or are considered clinical principles or consensus of experts' opinions.

Practical Considerations in Inflatable Penile Implant Surgery

BACKGROUND

Penile prosthesis implantation remains an effective solution for men with medical-refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical pelvic surgery. Despite the distortion of pelvic anatomy, a penile implant can be performed with excellent clinical outcomes provided strict patient selection, proper preoperative workup and safe surgical principles are adhered to.

AIM

To provide practical recommendations on inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation in patients with medical-refractory ED, with an emphasis on patient selection and counselling, preoperative workup as well as surgical considerations to minimize intraoperative complications.

METHODS

A Medline search on relevant English-only articles on penile prostheses and pelvic surgery was undertaken and the following terms were included in the search for articles of interest: "bladder cancer", "prostate cancer", "rectal cancer", "pelvic surgery" and "inflatable penile implant".

OUTCOMES

Clinical key recommendations on patient selection, preoperative workup and surgical principles.

RESULTS

Patients should be made aware of the mechanics of IPP and the informed consent process should outline the benefits and disadvantages of IPP surgery, alternative treatment options, cost, potential prosthetic complications and patient's expectations on clinical outcomes. Specialised diagnostic test for workup for ED is often not necessary although preoperative workup should include screening for active infection and optimising pre-existing medical comorbidities. Precautionary measures should be carried out to minimise infective complication. Corporal dilation and reservoir placement can be challenging in this group, and surgeons may require knowledge of advanced reconstructive surgical techniques when dealing with specific cases such as coexisting Peyronie's disease and continence issue.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

Strict patient selection and counselling process coupled with safe surgical principles are important to achieve excellent linical outcomes and patient satisfaction rates.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This masterclass paper provides an overview of the practical considerations for men who are undergoing IPP surgery following radical pelvic surgery. Limitations include the lack of highquality data and detailed surgical description on each surgical troubleshooting steps for various prosthetic-related complications.

CONCLUSION

The IPP implantation can be performed efficiently and safely in patients following radical pelvic surgery. Chung E, Mulhall J. Practical Considerations in Inflatable Penile Implant Surgery. J Sex Med 2021;18:1320-1327.

Canadian Urological Association guideline on androgen deprivation therapy: Adverse events and management strategies

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Data from 14,597 penile measurements of vietnamese men

BACKGROUND

Penis size is a highly sensitive topic, which has often raised concerns associated with human masculinity and male sexual health. Although data regarding penile dimensions have been published worldwide, little is known about these measurements in South-East Asian countries.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide the reference range in penile length, circumference, and diameter of Vietnamese men and their variations among men with erectile dysfunction and other diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information about flaccid length, stretched length, mid-shaft circumference, and glans diameter from the health records of 14,597 men attending the Andrology Consultation was collected. These men were classified into three groups being regular reproductive health screening group, sexual dysfunction group, and other disease groups.

RESULTS

We found that penile dimensions follow a non-parametric distribution, as tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The median values are 9.03 cm for flaccid length, 14.67 cm for stretched length, 8.39 cm for mid-shaft circumference, and 2.86 cm for unaroused glans diameter. Length and girth of the penis also changed among the different groups, especially in flaccid state; specifically, men with erectile dysfunction had a greater value in all penile dimensions except for change ratio compared with other groups. Circumcision, which rarely occurs in Vietnam, was associated with a 2 mm reduced penis length.

DISCUSSION

Findings on correlations between penile dimensions and somatometric parameters from previous studies are questionable and some measurements, such as glans dimension, have not been thoroughly investigated so far. Nevertheless, penile dimensions provide useful insight concerning conditions affecting sexual development and might be a valuable parameter in the assessment of erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study provide informative materials for the assessment of penile size, including reference values drawn from a large sample of Vietnamese men that can be useful in clinical practice and sexual health education.

Evolution of techniques for aesthetic penile enlargement during prosthesis placement: a chronicle of the Egydio non-grafting strategy

Since penile prostheses only provide axial rigidity, correction of penile deformity and enlargement of the visible penis during implant surgery may be desired. Evolving techniques of tunica expansion have made it possible to avoid grafting and preservation of the cylindrical appearance without bulges and indentations. After two decades of devising individualized solutions for patients and continuous enhancements of existing surgical solutions, Dr. Paulo Egydio has arrived at his Tunica Expansion Procedure (TEP). This strategy is his newest iteration of a lengthening techniques without grafting accompanied by penile prosthesis implantation. The TEP Strategy permits surgeons to use their own intuitive reasoning to determine the best pattern of multiple, small, staggered incisions to promote length and girth enlargement.

Enlargement of length and girth associated with implantation of penile prostheses

INTRODUCTION

Reduction in penile size is due to numerous conditions including Peyronie's disease, previous penile surgeries, diabetes, trauma, erectile dysfunction, pelvic surgery, and aging. Elasticity of the tunica albuginea is adversely affected by any of the above. Fibrosis then triggers progressive erectile dysfunction OBJECTIVES: When a penile prosthesis is indicated, it is important to determine whether the penis has already diminished in size prior to insertion of the implant. Because a prosthesis only provides axial rigidity and is not associated with the enlargement of the penis, reflection of strategies to simultaneously enlarge the size of the penis while implanting a device is recommended.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review of current scientific literature regarding procedures and tactics currently available for penile implants and enlargement was conducted.

RESULTS

The literature demonstrates that the evolution of penile implant surgery, accompanied by consideration of enlargement, has evolved through 5 fundamental techniques: Incision with Grafting; Sliding with Grafting; Modified Sliding without Grafting (MoST); Multiple Slit without Grafting (MUST); and the Egydio Paradigm for Tunica Expansion Procedures (TEP), a further evolution of previous strategies to achieve state of the art penile implantation accompanied by maximum penile enlargement. Evolving technology of tunica expansion procedures has led to diminution of the size of tunica defects and avoidance of grafts to prevent bulging and indentation, while developing solutions to preserve the strength of the tunica albuginea for firm positioning of the cylinders in the interior of the corpora cavernosa.

CONCLUSIONS

The evolution of these techniques is the transformation of larger tunica defects into smaller ones. While grafts are often used to reinforce the penile structure due to large defects, multiple incisions of the tunica albuginea are gaining popularity to promote girth and length enlargement without grafts and without the loss of tunica strength necessary to support the cylinders inside the corpora.

Penile dimensions: What are surgeons measuring?

Penile dimensions and related dissatisfaction, may have significant impact upon patients whom undergo andrological surgeries. Whilst penile dimension assessment is performed as part of the andrological evaluation, little is known regarding the surgeons' opinions nor contemporary practices. This study was designed to gain further insights into the opinions and practices of clinicians regarding penile measurement and is the first paper in the literature of its kind. The study was performed by inviting clinicians at andrological/urological conferences to participate in a voluntary 10 point survey concerning penile dimensions. Of 126 responses recorded, 56% (71/126) were andrologists. Of the responders, 45% (56/122) did not routinely perform penile measurement prior to treatment nor were they aware of the standardised method (93/123). The majority 64%(81/126) would measure the penile length from the pubic bone to the tip (79/123) with the penis in a stretched position (99/125). A goniometer was the most common way of assessing penile curvature (37/73) and the length would be measured mostly on the convex side (46/119). Responders felt that, from the patients perspective, a combination of length, girth and shape (51/123), or length only (50/123), were the more important aspects of penile dimensions. As responders were recruited based on their interest in andrological aspects of urology, it may not be representative of the general urological community. In conclusion, attitudes and methods of penile measurement are quite varied amongst surgeons, thus further discussion and investigation of this aspect of andrological care ought to occur.

Changes in penile length after radical prostatectomy: effect of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy

Although reports have shown evidence for penile length (PL) shortening after radical prostatectomy (RP), the association between neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (NADT) and PL after RP has yet to be determined. This study evaluates chronological changes in PL after NADT and RP. Stretched PLs (SPLs) of 143 patients, 41 of whom had undergone NADT, were measured before, 10 days after, and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after RP. Chronological erectile function and testosterone levels were then evaluated. SPL was shortest 10 days after RP in both the NADT (-) and NADT (+) groups and gradually recovered in length thereafter. SPL in the NADT (-) group was significantly longer than that in the NADT (+) group before RP. However, no significant differences in SPLs were found between both groups 6 months after RP. Although all subjects in the NADT (+) group had testosterone levels of <50 ng/dL before RP, such levels increased after RP. Before RP, the NADT (-) group was found to have significantly better erectile function than the NADT (+) group. However, differences in erectile function between the NADT (-) and NADT (+) groups after RP were not significant. This report is the first to show that among patients with prostate cancer, those who underwent NADT had greater PL recovery after RP than those who did not. Data regarding PL recovery after NADT and RP obtained in this study could be useful for patients with prostate cancer who plan to undergo such procedures.

Translational Perspective on the Role of Testosterone in Sexual Function and Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

The biological importance of testosterone is generally accepted by the medical community; however, controversy focuses on its relevance to sexual function and the sexual response, and our understanding of the extent of its role in this area is evolving.

AIM

To provide scientific evidence examining the role of testosterone at the cellular and molecular levels as it pertains to normal erectile physiology and the development of erectile dysfunction and to assist in guiding successful therapeutic interventions for androgen-dependent sexual dysfunction.

METHODS

In this White Paper, the Basic Science Committee of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America assessed the current basic science literature examining the role of testosterone in sexual function and dysfunction.

RESULTS

Testosterone plays an important role in sexual function through multiple processes: physiologic (stimulates activity of nitric oxide synthase), developmental (establishes and maintains the structural and functional integrity of the penis), neural (development, maintenance, function, and plasticity of the cavernous nerve and pelvic ganglia), therapeutically for dysfunctional regulation (beneficial effect on aging, diabetes, and prostatectomy), and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition (testosterone supplement to counteract phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor resistance).

CONCLUSION

Despite controversies concerning testosterone with regard to sexual function, basic science studies provide incontrovertible evidence for a significant role of testosterone in sexual function and suggest that properly administered testosterone therapy is potentially advantageous for treating male sexual dysfunction.

The impact of drugs on male fertility: a review

Beside cytotoxic drugs, other drugs can impact men's fertility through various mechanisms. Via the modification of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones or by non-hormonal mechanisms, drugs may directly and indirectly induce sexual dysfunction and spermatogenesis impairment and alteration of epididymal maturation. This systematic literature review summarizes existing data about the negative impact and associations of pharmacological treatments on male fertility (excluding cytotoxic drugs), with a view to making these data more readily available for medical staff. In most cases, these effects on spermatogenesis/sperm maturation/sexual function are reversible after the discontinuation of the drug. When a reprotoxic treatment cannot be stopped and/or when the impact on semen parameters/sperm DNA is potentially irreversible (Sulfasalazine Azathioprine, Mycophenolate mofetil and Methotrexate), the cryopreservation of spermatozoa before treatment must be proposed. Deleterious impacts on fertility of drugs with very good or good level of evidence (Testosterone, Sulfasalazine, Anabolic steroids, Cyproterone acetate, Opioids, Tramadol, GhRH analogues and Sartan) are developed.

A review of penile elongation surgery

Penile elongation surgery is less commonly performed in the public sector, but involves a collaborative approach between urology and plastic surgery. Congenital and acquired micropenis are the classic surgical indications for penile elongation surgery. The goal of intervention in these patients is to restore a functional penis size in order to allow normal standing micturition, enable satisfying sexual intercourse and improve patient quality of life. Many men seeking elongation actually have normal length penises, but perceive themselves to be small, a psychologic condition termed 'penile dysmorphophobia'. This paper will review the anatomy and embryology of congenital micropenis and discuss both conservative and surgical management options for men seeking penile elongation therapy.

The impact of androgen deprivation on artificial urinary sphincter outcomes

Background

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) causes systemic tissue atrophy. It is unclear if this tissue atrophy adversely impacts artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) outcomes. We sought to evaluate the effect of ADT on adverse AUS outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 518 men undergoing primary AUS placement at our institution between 1998 and 2014. Rates of device explant for infection/erosion, mechanical failure, and urethral atrophy in men with >6 months of ADT use within 2 years prior to AUS placement were compared to ADT naive men.

Results

Fifty of the patients (50/518, 9.7%) had >6 months of ADT use within 2 years prior to AUS placement while 442 were ADT naive. Multivariable survival analysis of AUS events by competing risks failed to show any effect of ADT on device explantation for infection/erosion (HR 1.12, P=0.68), replacement for mechanical failure (HR 0.92, P=0.77), or urethral atrophy (HR 0.77, P=0.46).

Conclusions

This study did not show evidence supporting differences in adverse AUS outcomes between men with ADT use and ADT naive men.

Penile lengthening and widening without grafting according to a modified 'sliding' technique

OBJECTIVE

To present the feasibility and safety of penile length and girth restoration based on a modified 'sliding' technique for patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and significant penile shortening, with or without Peyronie's disease (PD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2013 and January 2014, 143 patients underwent our modified 'sliding' technique for penile length and girth restoration and concomitant penile prosthesis implantation. It is based on three key elements: (i) the sliding manoeuvre for penile length restoration; (ii) potential complementary longitudinal ventral and/or dorsal tunical incisions for girth restoration; and (iii) closure of the newly created rectangular bow-shaped tunical defects with Buck's fascia only.

RESULTS

In all, 143 patients underwent the procedure. The causes of penile shortening and narrowing were: PD in 53.8%; severe ED with unsuccessful intracavernosal injection therapy in 21%; post-radical prostatectomy 14.7%; androgen-deprivation therapy, with or without brachytherapy or external radiotherapy, for prostate cancer in 7%; post-penile fracture in 2.1%; post-redo-hypospadias repair in 0.7%; and post-priapism in 0.7%. In patients with ED and PD, the mean (range) deviation of the penile axis was 45 (0-100)°. The mean (range) subjective penile shortening reported by patients was 3.4 (1-7) cm and shaft constriction was present in 53.8%. Malleable penile prostheses were used in 133 patients and inflatable penile prostheses were inserted in 10 patients. The median (range) follow-up was 9.7 (6-18) months. The mean (range) penile length gain was 3.1 (2-7) cm. No penile prosthesis infection caused device explantation. The average International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score increased from 24 points at baseline to 60 points at the 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Penile length and girth restoration based on our modified sliding technique is a safe and effective procedure. The elimination of grafting saves operative time and, consequently, decreases the infection risk and costs associated with surgery.

Functional and metabolic complications of androgen deprivation therapy

Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. Several different treatment strategies are available including minimally invasive procedures for localized tumors such as radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy, among others. All these strategies can be given as mono-therapy or as combination therapy. For this review, we will focus on the side effects of androgen deprivation therapy, independent of the other treatment modalities. Some of the most common affections are loss of bone mineral density, weight gain and obesity, myocardial infarction and sudden death, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, loss of libido and erectile dysfunction, fatigue, cognitive decline, vasomotor flushing, to mention a few. All these alterations can have an impact on quality of life and even lead to more serious complications such as fractures and cardiovascular complications. We present recommendations for prevention, early recognition and treatment. The different modalities for androgen deprivation therapy have particular side-effects profiles and indications should be made in an individualized manner. Androgen deprivation therapy is a useful tool for some patients with prostate cancer but every effort should be made to avoid related complications. The use of guidelines and educational programs for both, patients and urologists, are extremely useful strategies.

Androgen deprivation therapy impact on quality of life and cardiovascular health, monitoring therapeutic replacement

INTRODUCTION

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is commonly utilized in the management of both localized and advanced adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The use of ADT is associated with several adverse events, physical changes, and development of medical comorbidities/mortality.

AIM

The current article reviews known adverse events associated with ADT as well as treatment options, where available. Current recommendations and guidelines are cited for ongoing monitoring of patients receiving ADT.

METHODS

A PubMed search of topics relating to ADT and adverse outcomes was performed, with select articles highlighted and reviewed based on level of evidence and overall contribution.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reported outcomes of studies detailing adverse effects of ADT were reviewed and discussed. Where available, randomized trials and meta-analyses were reported.

RESULTS

ADT may result in several adverse events including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, vasomotor symptoms, cognitive, psychological and quality of life impairments, weight gain, sarcopenia, increased adiposity, gynecomastia, reduced penile/testicular size, hair changes, periodontal disease, osteoporosis, increased fracture risk, diabetes and insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and anemia. The definitive impact of ADT on lipid profiles, cardiovascular morbidity/mortality, and all-cause mortality is currently unknown with available data. Treatment options to reduce ADT-related adverse events include changing to an intermittent treatment schedule, biophysical therapy, counseling, and pharmacotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with ADT are at increased risk of several adverse events and should be routinely monitored for the development of potentially significant morbidity/mortality. Where appropriate, physicians should reduce known risk factors and counsel patients as to known risks and benefits of therapy.

Reduced penile size and treatment regret in men with recurrent prostate cancer after surgery, radiotherapy plus androgen deprivation, or radiotherapy alone

OBJECTIVE

To report the relative incidence of the perceived reduction in penile size across prostate cancer treatment modalities and to describe its effect on quality of life and treatment regret.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The incidence of patient complaints about reduced penile size was calculated for 948 men in the Comprehensive, Observational, Multicenter, Prostate Adenocarcinoma (COMPARE) registry who experienced biochemical failure (per registry definition) and were assessed a median of 5.53 years after prostatectomy or radiotherapy (RT) consisting of either external beam RT or brachytherapy, with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with treatment regret and interference with emotional relationships.

RESULTS

Of 948 men, 25 (2.63%) complained of a reduced penile size. The incidence of reduced penile size stratified by treatment was 3.73% for surgery (19 of 510), 2.67% for RT plus ADT (6 of 225), and 0% for RT without ADT (0 of 213). The surgery (P=.004) and RT plus ADT (P=.016) groups had significantly more shortened penis complaints than the RT alone group. The rate of a shortened penis after surgery and after RT plus ADT was similar (P=.47). On multivariate analysis adjusting for age, treatment type, and baseline comorbidity, a perceived reduction in penile size was associated with interference with close emotional relationships (odds ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval 1.02-8.26; P=.04) and increased treatment regret (odds ratio 3.37, 95% confidence interval 1.37-8.26; P=.0079).

CONCLUSION

Complaints about a reduced penile size were more common with RT plus ADT or surgery than RT alone and were associated with greater interference with close emotional relationships and increased treatment regret. Physicians should discuss the possibility of this rarely mentioned side effect with their patients to help them make more informed treatment choices.

Sexuality and Intimacy After Definitive Treatment and Subsequent Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

There are more than 2 million prostate cancer survivors in the United States. Primary therapy with surgery or radiation results in permanent changes in sexual function. More than half of these men are subsequently treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) at some point. The addition of ADT further compromises sexuality, intimacy, and a couple's relationship. This review will highlight the challenges faced by patients and couples and reveal the tremendous need for better education of physicians, patients, and couples as well as for more research in sexuality and intimacy with the goal of improving quality of life for this large population of survivors. Suggestions for clinicians to better help patients and their partners regarding sexuality and intimacy are offered.