What is Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) for Prostate Cancer Survivors and Caregivers?

During the July 2024 Managing Survivorship Webinar, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Medical Director of the Survivorship Program Dr. Alicia Morgans explained that androgen deprivation therapy or ADT lowers testosterone levels in prostate cancer patients, which leads prostate cancer cells to die off or go into hibernation. She outlined the side effects of ADT including stroke and cardiovascular risks, bone fractures, and depression. With exercise, diet, and therapy, these issues can be overcome.

Dr. Keith Crawford, PHEN’s Director of Clinical Trials and Patient Education, also covered how ADT works and its side effects. He presented other prostate cancer treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted radioligand therapy, precision medicine, and hormone therapies.

PHEN Ambassador and Patient Navigator Dr. James Smith spoke on different treatments for patients diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and showcased information on PHENPath.com.

Twenty-year survivor and PHEN Ambassador Sherman Womack also shared his prostate cancer journey with ADT. By the end of the webinar, the audience answered survey questions. In total, 81% said they understood the meaning of androgen deprivation therapy while 19% said they somewhat understood ADT. Further, 75% said they know there are multiple treatment options for Stage 4 prostate cancer while 22% said somewhat. Lastly, 92% of respondents said the patient story was educational and inspirational.

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