Boston Archives

Androgen Society 3rd Annual Meeting Review (Day 3)

Posted by Abraham Morgentaler, MD, FACS | Jun 2021

Abraham Morgentaler, MD, FACS, Associate Clinical Professor of Urologic Surgery at Harvard University, reviews day three of the 3rd annual meeting of the Androgen Society, an international organization consisting of healthcare professionals interested in testosterone deficiency and its treatment. The day began when Martin Miner, MD, and Jean-Paul Deslypere, MD, PhD, debated the correct threshold for diagnosing testosterone deficiency, ultimately concluding that the lower the T level, the better. Dr. Desylpere then discussed the role of active metabolites of testosterone in manhood, specifically the importance of testosterone in developing structural and functional characteristics of the sex. Hugh Jones, MD, followed with an analysis of androgen receptor sensitivity and its implications for clinical disorders and mortality. Abdulmaged Traish, PhD, then presented on whether or not age-related testosterone deficiency should be treated, respectfully disagreeing with the FDA’s position on not treating men with age-related hypogonadism. Martin Miner, MD, then looked at the relationship between testosterone and mood, depression, and dementia. Next, David Sullivan, MS, PhD, shared information about the preventative effect of androgens on dry eyes. Ernani Rhoden, MD, spoke on testosterone and gynecomastia before engaging in a debate on whether testosterone therapy may be used as monotherapy treatment of erectile dysfunction. The day concluded with a discussion by Dr. Morgentaler on testosterone, science, and human dignity that stemmed from his experiences with patients wanting testosterone therapy despite the impact on their life expectancies out of a desire to improve their quality of life.

Androgen Society 3rd Annual Meeting Review (Day 2)

Posted by Abraham Morgentaler, MD, FACS | May 2021

Abraham Morgentaler, MD, FACS, Associate Clinical Professor of Urologic Surgery at Harvard University, reviews the second day of the 3rd annual meeting of the Androgen Society, an international organization consisting of healthcare professionals interested in testosterone deficiency and its treatment. The day began with presentations on testosterone therapy and type 2 diabetes by Gary Wittert, MD, Hugh Jones, MD, and Farid Saad, MD. These presenters suggested that testosterone could lead to remission of diabetes mellitus, potentially prevent diabetes, and improve glycemic control. They were followed by a presentation on testosterone, anemia, and hematocrit by Sudarshan Ramachandran, PhD, one on COVID-19 and testosterone by Mary Samplaski, MD, and a panel discussion on testosterone’s impact on prostate cancer. Mohit Khera, MD, presented on the possibility of testosterone therapy performing a protective and/or therapeutic role against prostate cancer. Sharon Parish, MD, and Leah Millheiser, MD, presented on testosterone therapy for women and how it benefits sexual function. The day concluded with a presentation by Daniel Kelly, MD, on the complex, context-dependent relationship between testosterone and atherosclerosis.

Androgen Society 3rd Annual Meeting Review (Day 1)

Posted by Abraham Morgentaler, MD, FACS | May 2021

Abraham Morgentaler, MD, FACS, Associate Clinical Professor of Urologic Surgery at Harvard University, reviews the first day of the 3rd annual meeting of the Androgen Society, an international organization consisting of healthcare professionals interested in testosterone deficiency and its treatment. Dr. Morgentaler notes that the day began with a presentation on the history of testosterone by Dr. Nieschlag, followed by a presentation by Drs. Ethan D. Grober and Michael S. Irwig on transgender men and the physical impact of testosterone. Dr. Morgentaler then reviews a panel discussion that covered the use of free testosterone, erythrocytosis management, and the role of testosterone therapy and PDE5 inhibitors in men with erectile dysfunction and low testosterone. He goes on to summarize presentations by Drs. E. David Crawford and Omer Raheem which covered the use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in local disease, biochemical failure, and advanced disease, as well as the sexual effects of testosterone. Dr. Crawford presented data showing that there is value in having a testosterone level below 20 nanograms per deciliter, and Dr. Raheem discussed a study that found that different forms of ADT should be used depending on patients’ cardiovascular issues. Dr. Morgentaler concludes by considering new testosterone formulations, including testosterone undecanoate, an oral soft gel, and injectables.

Overview of Treatment for Advanced Prostate Cancer, including Metastatic Disease – Novel Treatment

Posted by Christopher J. Sweeney, MBBS | Feb 2020

Christopher Sweeney, MD, MBBS, gives an overview of the most promising research into novel treatments for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), focusing on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3Kinase)/Akt inhibition, Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, and lutetium-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (Lu-PSMA). He emphasizes the importance of careful patient selection for these therapies, and suggests that future studies should focus on combination therapies and avoid duplicative research.

Update on the ARCHES Trial: New Indication for Enzalutamide in Metastatic Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC)

Posted by Christopher J. Sweeney, MBBS | Dec 2019

Christopher J. Sweeney, MBBS, gives an overview of the ENZAMET study, a companion to the ARCHES trial, the latter of which demonstrated a survival benefit in all versions of mHSPC (metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer) with the use of enzalutamide. Dr. Sweeney discusses how ENZAMET builds on the research conducted with ARCHES, the differences between enzalutamide and chemotherapy for high-burden, rapidly progressing disease, and why monotherapy should be phased out for PCa treatment in most patients.