When is androgen deprivation therapy recommended for prostate cancer?

ADT reduces the body’s production of testosterone or blocks its action on prostate cancer cells. It may be given by injection, tablets, or a combination, depending on the medicine. For some people it is short-term around radiotherapy; for others it is continued while the cancer remains controlled by hormone suppression.

The plan depends on stage, PSA pattern, scans, grade, previous treatment, symptoms, other health conditions, and whether the goal is cure, control, or symptom relief. ADT may be combined with radiotherapy or another systemic treatment rather than used as the only treatment.

Before starting, discuss bone health, heart and blood-vessel health, diabetes risk, mood, sexual health, hot flushes, tiredness, and muscle changes. Ask about exercise, strength training, nutrition, bone-density review, and monitoring of blood tests and prostate-specific antigen.

Take injections or tablets on the schedule provided and tell the oncology team about new medicines or supplements. Do not stop treatment without advice, because hormone levels and symptoms can change when treatment is interrupted.

Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, sudden weakness, fainting, confusion, or thoughts of self-harm. Contact the cancer team promptly for severe mood change, new bone pain, difficulty passing urine, or symptoms that are worsening despite treatment.

Ask: What is the purpose and expected duration of ADT? Will I receive radiotherapy or another medicine? How will response be checked? Which side effects should I report? What can protect my bones and physical function? What should I do if an injection appointment is delayed?