Combined androgen blockade
Combined Androgen Blockade
Combined androgen blockade (CAB), also known as complete androgen blockade, is a therapeutic strategy used in the treatment of prostate cancer. This approach involves the use of both surgical or medical castration and an antiandrogen to block the action of androgens, which are male hormones that can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Prostate cancer cells often rely on androgens, such as testosterone, for growth and survival. Androgens exert their effects by binding to the androgen receptor, which then activates specific genes that promote cell proliferation. Combined androgen blockade aims to reduce androgen levels and block androgen receptor activation, thereby inhibiting cancer cell growth.
Surgical or Medical Castration[edit | edit source]
Castration, either surgical (orchiectomy) or medical (using drugs such as GnRH analogs), significantly reduces the production of testosterone by the testes. This is a primary component of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
Antiandrogens[edit | edit source]
Antiandrogens are drugs that block the androgen receptor, preventing androgens from binding and activating it. Common antiandrogens used in CAB include bicalutamide, flutamide, and nilutamide.
Clinical Use[edit | edit source]
Combined androgen blockade is typically used in advanced prostate cancer, particularly in cases where the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland. It may be used as an initial treatment or after other therapies have failed.
Efficacy and Controversy[edit | edit source]
The efficacy of combined androgen blockade compared to monotherapy (castration alone) has been a subject of debate. Some studies suggest that CAB offers a modest survival benefit, while others indicate no significant difference. The potential for increased side effects with CAB, such as hot flashes, fatigue, and gynecomastia, must also be considered.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Patients undergoing combined androgen blockade may experience a range of side effects due to low testosterone levels and antiandrogen use. These can include:
- Hot flashes
- Loss of libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Gynecomastia
- Bone density loss
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
