Many male cancer survivors have an impaired quality of life and low energy levels after developing testosterone deficiency because of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, a new study published in Cancer, an American Cancer Society journal shows. According to the study young male cancer survivors who developed testosterone deficiency could benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.

The study compared 176 young male cancer survivors with 213 young men without cancer and examined in them the relationship between self-esteem, fatigue, quality of life, sexual function and testosterone level.  Although self-esteem was normal and sexual relationship was not impaired, young male cancer survivors experienced reduced quality of sexual functions and energy levels as well as impairment in the quality of life. Testosterone deficiency occurs in approximately 15% of male cancer survivors.

Professor Richard Ross from University of Sheffield, who led the investigators, commented: “This is an important study demonstrating that low testosterone levels are common in male cancer survivors and associated with an impaired quality of life. However, the relationship between testosterone levels and quality of life is complex and appears to depend on a threshold level rather than on a direct correlation. We now need interventional trials with testosterone to determine which young male cancer survivors will benefit from replacement therapy.”

Source: EurekAlert!