Long-acting luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, such as goserelin, have been used for locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer for many years and are the main forms of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
Acting on pituitary LHRH receptors, they initially stimulate a transient rise in serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH. Long-term administration of an LHRH analogue will eventually lead to down regulation of LHRH receptors, thus suppressing FSH and LH secretion. This in turn suppresses testosterone production hence achieving and maintaining androgen deprivation. This case highlights the potential anomaly of a sustained elevated serum testosterone in the context of newly diagnosed locally advanced prostate cancer with a co-existing pituitary macroadenoma after administration of LHRH analogues. Alternative methods of androgen deprivation must be considered in such patients.
Written by:
Youssef FR, Robinson RT, Boucher NR. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Chesterfield, UK.
Reference: Can Urol Assoc J. 2012 Apr;6(2):E84-6.
doi: 10.5489/cuaj.11126
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22511442