Effect of Testosterone Propionate on the Prostate Gland of Patients Over 45*

THE observations which led to the conclusion that testosterone propionate has an aggravating effect on existing carcinoma of the prostate (1) raise the question as to whether or not testosterone propionate in doses used for the treatment of the male climacterium and angina pectoris is a factor in initiating carcinoma or activating latent carcinoma of the prostate gland. In view of the seriousness of such a possibility, 100 adult males who had previously been exposed to testosterone therapy over periods varying from several months to several years were examined for evidence of carcinoma of the prostate or other pathologic changes of the gland. These men formed part of a larger group which had been studied by one of us (M.L.) several years previously in relation to the effect of testosterone propionate on angina pectoris or the male climacterium (2, 3, 4). Prior to treatment, each man had been examined to rule out existing neoplasm, and only those found by digital examination to be free of such growths had been accepted for the previous study. Testosterone propionate had then been administered to these patients intramuscularly in doses of 25 to 75 mg. per week for periods varying from three months to four years (Tables 1 and 2). In many of those who were observed and treated for several years, testosterone propionate was discontinued, sometimes for as long as six months. Treatment with testosterone propionate had been terminated between one and seven years before follow-up examinations were made for the purpose of this study.