SERUM TESTOSTERONE AS A MARKER OF RESPONSE TO ANDROGEN DEPRIVATION THERAPY IN METASTATIC PROSTATE CANCER

Abstract

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most widespread cause of cancer and the sixth foremost cause of cancer death among men worldwide. The sustained presence of particular hormones and growth factors stimulates the prostate, such as other sex accessory tissues, in its growth, maintenance, and secretory function. In the current study, we investigated the association of serum testosterone level and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level before androgen deprivation therapy in metastatic PCa (mPCa) treated with hormone therapy. Methods: This retrospective cohort was conducted from July 2017 to December 2019 in the Department of Urology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh on patients diagnosed with mPCa of age >40 years. Total serum testosterone was measured by Electro chemiluminescent immune assay before the treatment. PSA in serum specimens was evaluated. Results: The mean age was 67.74±8.12 (55–80) years. Serum PSA levels at baseline, 3 months were 530.98±617.28 (ng/dL), and 56.31±89.04 (ng/dL), respectively. The baseline S. testosterone was 288.89±246.53 (ng/mL). Weak negative correlation between the two (p=0.051) As the serum testosterone levels decrease the PSA levels increase and vice-versa. Positive correlation between baseline testosterone and PSA decline (p<0.05). On histopathology, 58.7% (n=71) of the patients had perineural involvement, while 41.3% (n=50) did not have perineural involvement. Conclusion: We conclude that the effect of testosterone might have a possible role in the assessment of treatment response as assessed by PSA. However, the exact implication and its role in disease assessment need to be examined in a larger prospective cohort.