Khaberni - A new study has shown that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches treat prostate cancer in men as effectively as traditional injections, with milder side effects and fewer hospital visits.
The study, conducted by scientists from University College London (UCL), included 1360 men with an average age of 72 years from cancer treatment centers across the United Kingdom.
The research team compared traditional hormonal injections, which suppress the production of testosterone responsible for the growth of prostate cancer, with patches that release the hormone "estradiol," a form of estrogen, through the skin.
The results showed that the patches were just as effective as the injections in controlling the disease. While traditional injections commonly cause side effects such as hot flashes, bone weakness, and increased cardiovascular risk factors, these effects were reduced in patch users. However, the patches were associated with an increased likelihood of painful swelling in breast tissue, medically known as gynecomastia.
Professor Ruth Langley, the study's lead author, stated that the findings offer men a more suitable and easier option than traditional injections, especially for those suffering from severe side effects. She added that this method could significantly improve the quality of life for patients.
Caroline Geraghty, a specialist nursing director at Cancer Research UK, said: "The study shows that hormone patches are just as effective as injections, and are easier and gentler to use, providing men with broader treatment options and improving their daily lives."
Simon Grieveson, Assistant Director of Research at Prostate Cancer UK, noted that the patches provide the same efficacy as injections in delaying cancer progression and reduce hot flashes, despite the increased risk of gynecomastia. He added: "This method is less invasive and offers men the freedom to choose the treatment that suits them better."
