Combined (Maximum) Androgen Blockade
Is There a Benefit to Blocking all the Male Hormones?
Male hormones are produced in two organs in the body. The testicles produce about 95% and the remainder is produced in the adrenal glands. Studies have shown that interfering with the hormones from both locations, called combined androgen blockade (CAB) or maximum androgen blockade (MAB) results in a greater survival for men with prostate cancer than blocking the hormones from the testicles alone. This still remains controversial, however, and before beginning hormone therapy you should learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of this therapy. Answers to the following questions are addressed in the accompanying video.
- Who is a good candidate?
- How long should the two drugs be administered?
- What’s wrong with delaying the the anti-androgen until the PSA rises?
- What are the side effects and can they be treated or minimized?
- What should be done if the PSA begins to rise?
