Dr. T. Mike Hsieh - Testosterone | Testicular Cancer Conference 2024 presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals

Dr. T. Mike Hsieh - Testosterone | Testicular Cancer Conference 2024 presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals

At the 2024 Testicular Cancer Conference presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals, Dr. T. Mike Hsieh, a urologist from UC San Diego specializing in male fertility and men's health, discussed the critical issue of testosterone deficiency in testicular cancer survivors. While treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are highly effective—with survival rates over 95%—they can lead to significant long-term side effects, notably low testosterone levels.

Key Points:

• Prevalence of Low Testosterone:

  • Post-Surgery: 12-16% of men experience low testosterone after orchiectomy.

  • Increased Risk: The likelihood rises by 1.8 times after chemotherapy and 1.6 times after radiation.

  • Cumulative Effect: More aggressive treatments heighten the risk.

• Symptoms of Low Testosterone:

  • Sexual Symptoms: Decreased libido and weaker erections.

  • Non-Sexual Symptoms: Fatigue, depression, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and hot flashes.

• Health Risks:

  • Elevated inflammatory markers.

  • Higher incidence of obesity-related diabetes.

  • 14% greater mortality risk compared to men with normal testosterone levels.

• Diagnosis and Monitoring:

  • Comprehensive blood tests measuring testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin, and estrogen.

  • Differentiation from other conditions like sleep apnea is essential.

• Treatment Options:

  • For Men Desiring Fertility: Medications that stimulate natural testosterone production without affecting sperm.

  • For Men Not Desiring Fertility: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) via gels, injections, pellets, or pills.

  • Considerations: TRT can suppress natural testosterone and sperm production, impacting fertility.

• Testosterone and Prostate Cancer:

  • Fears that TRT increases prostate cancer risk are unfounded.

  • Patients with a family history can safely receive TRT under medical supervision.

• Patient Advocacy:

  • Regular monitoring of testosterone levels is crucial.

  • Survivors should be aware of symptoms and seek medical advice.

  • Addressing testosterone deficiency can improve quality of life and longevity.

Dr. Hsieh emphasized that understanding and treating testosterone deficiency is a vital part of survivorship care for testicular cancer patients. He encouraged survivors to advocate for themselves and consult healthcare professionals to manage symptoms effectively.

The slides from Dr. Hsieh’s presentation can be downloaded here. Please be aware that the animated functions of the presentation are not available in the PDF.