Question 1

What is the Meaning of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?

Accepted Answer

Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) represents a core therapeutic strategy aimed at reducing circulating androgen levels, primarily testosterone, within the body. This medical intervention is designed to manage conditions sensitive to androgenic stimulation, notably certain types of prostate cancer.

Question 2

What is the Context of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?

Accepted Answer

Androgens are steroid hormones crucial for male reproductive tissue development and maintenance. In human physiology, testosterone, primarily from the testes, drives cellular growth in androgen-sensitive cells. Many prostate cancer cells depend on these hormones for proliferation, making androgen signaling a critical pathway in disease progression.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?

Accepted Answer

ADT holds substantial importance in clinical oncology, serving as a primary systemic treatment for localized, locally advanced, and metastatic prostate cancer. By suppressing androgenic stimulation, this therapy effectively slows tumor growth, reduces tumor volume, and alleviates symptoms, improving patient well-being and extending survival. Its role is pivotal in managing advanced disease.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?

Accepted Answer

The mechanism of ADT involves interrupting the androgen signaling pathway. This is achieved through pharmacological agents like Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) agonists or antagonists, which inhibit testicular testosterone production, or surgical orchiectomy. Antiandrogens also block androgen receptors on target cells, preventing residual androgens from stimulating cancer cell growth.

Question 5

What is the Application of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, ADT is applied in various scenarios for prostate cancer management. It may be used as monotherapy for advanced disease, with radiation therapy for high-risk or locally advanced prostate cancer, or intermittently to manage side effects while maintaining disease control. Protocol individualization occurs based on disease stage, patient comorbidities, and treatment goals.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of ADT is routinely monitored through biochemical markers and clinical assessments. Serum testosterone levels are measured to confirm castration, typically below 50 ng/dL. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels serve as a critical biomarker, indicating tumor response, with declining levels suggesting efficacy. Symptomatic relief and imaging studies also contribute to overall assessment.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?

Accepted Answer

Patients undergoing ADT may experience significant adverse effects from systemic androgen reduction. Common risks include hot flashes, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and reduced libido. Longer-term concerns involve decreased bone mineral density, muscle mass loss, weight gain, and metabolic changes like insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and increased cardiovascular risk. Careful monitoring and supportive interventions mitigate complications.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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