Men with prostate cancer frequently receive anti-androgen drug therapy. Such medications dramatically lower testosterone levels in the body and slow tumor growth.
A new study suggests that such treatment more than doubles the risk of kidney damage. That may be because testosterone improves blood flow to the kidneys. Without this hormone, circulation may be compromised. The overall risk is not high, about four men in 1000. Nonetheless, patients on androgen deprivation therapy should receive careful monitoring of kidney function to detect problems early and prevent damage.
