Low Testosterone in Male Cancer Patients

and Survivors
Perry Xu 1 , Edward Choi 1 , Kayla White 1 , Faysal A Yafi 2

Affiliations

 PMID: 32430241
 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.03.004

Abstract
Introduction: Hypogonadism (HG) is prevalent among patients with ongoing advanced cancer
and cancer survivors. The etiology of HG in these patients is multifactorial and can be examined
from cancer-related and cancer-treatment perspectives. There is evidence that HG contributes to
increased morbidity in male cancer patients. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for cancer
survivors and advanced cancer patients is not well studied outside of prostate cancer. Here, we
evaluate and summarize the current literature on HG in male cancer patients, including the role
of TRT in nonprostate cancer patients.

Objective: To summarize and present the literature for the background, etiology, clinical
consequences, and treatment for HG in male cancer patients and survivors.

Methods: A literature review was performed in MEDLINE between 1980 and 2020 using the
terms hypogonadism, advanced cancer, testosterone replacement therapy, quality of life, and
cancer survivors. Studies including only prostate cancer patients were excluded.

Results: The main outcome measure was to complete a review of peer-reviewed literature. HG is
not only prevalent among male cancer patients and survivors but also clinically reduces quality
of life and increases morbidity. The etiology of HG in male cancer patients and survivors is
multifactorial. There are few studies examining the benefit of TRT in these patient populations.
The results of randomized controlled trials show potential benefit for TRT in hypogonadal male
cancer survivors and those with advanced cancer.

Conclusion: HG affects many male cancer patients and survivors because of a multifactorial
etiology. HG in these patients contributes to increased morbidity and reduced quality of life.
Treatment of HG in male cancer patients is not well studied, and further studies are needed to
elucidate the role of TRT. Xu P, Choi E, White K, et al. Low Testosterone in Male Cancer
Patients and Survivors. Sex Med 2021;9:133-142.

Keywords: Cancer; Cancer Survivor; Hypogonadism; Testosterone.

Copyright © 2020 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All
rights reserved.
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Publication types
 Review
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MeSH terms
 Hormone Replacement Therapy / adverse effects
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 Humans
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 Hypogonadism* / drug therapy
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 Male
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 Neoplasms* / drug therapy
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 Quality of Life
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  Survivors
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 Testosterone / therapeutic use
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Substances
 Testosterone
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Related information
 PubChem Compound (MeSH Keyword)

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