ABSTRACT Background Men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer experience various adverse effects. Those with higher pre‐treatment testosterone levels often express concerns about experiencing increased severity of these side effects, but this association has not been studied previously. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the association of pre‐treatment testosterone levels with changes in body composition, physical function, sexual function, and energy in men undergoing 24 weeks of ADT. Materials and Methods Thirty‐nine men were assessed at baseline and after 24 weeks of ADT. Body composition was assessed using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Energy and vitality were evaluated using the Hypogonadism Energy Diary, and sexual function was assessed using the Sexual Arousal, Interest, and Drive scale. Physical function was assessed using the PF‐10 subscale of the Short Form‐36 Health Survey. Total and free testosterone levels were measured using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis, respectively. The association between pre‐treatment testosterone levels and variables of interest was tested using linear regression analysis. Results and Discussion At 24 weeks, the mean serum total testosterone level declined from 471 ± 157 to 7.7 ± 4.5 ng/dL, total fat mass increased by 3.7 kg ( p < 0.0001), and total lean mass decreased by 2.2 kg ( p < 0.0001). Participants experienced a decline in physical function, overall energy, and sexual desire. Pre‐treatment testosterone levels were not associated with the magnitude of worsening in any of these outcomes. Conclusion Severity of adverse effects of ADT is not influenced by pre‐treatment testosterone levels. This finding allows clinicians and patients to make informed decisions regarding treatment.
Braga et al. (Fri,) studied this question.