Testosterone replacement in prostate cancer survivors with testosterone deficiency: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Background: Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer today have organ-confined disease and low risk of disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Testosterone deficiency in prostate cancer survivors contributes to impaired health-related quality of life but testosterone treatment is viewed as a contraindication in this population.

Objectives: We describe the design of the first randomized trial to determine the safety and efficacy of testosterone treatment in men who have undergone prostatectomy for non-aggressive prostate cancer and have symptomatic testosterone deficiency.

Methods: Surviving Prostate cancer while Improving quality of life through Rehabilitation with Testosterone Trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group trial in 142 men, ≥ 40 years, who have undergone radical prostatectomy for organ-confined prostate cancer, Gleason score ≤ 7 (3+4), Stage pT2, N0, M0 lesions and have symptomatic testosterone deficiency and undetectable prostate specific antigen for > 2 years after surgery. Eligible participants are randomized to weekly intramuscular injections of 100-mg testosterone cypionate or placebo for 12 weeks and followed for another 12 weeks. Primary endpoint is change from baseline in sexual activity. Secondary outcomes include change in sexual desire, erectile function, energy, lean and fat mass, physical and cognitive performance. Safety is assessed by monitoring prostate-specific antigen, lower urinary tract symptoms, hemoglobin, and adverse events.

Results: The trial is being conducted at two trial sites in Boston, MA and Baltimore, MD. As of July 30, 2022, 42 participants have been randomized. No prostate-specific antigen or clinical recurrence has been noted to-date.

Discussion: Recruitment was slowed by coronavirus disease 2019-related closures, slow subsequent ramp-up of research activities, and patient concerns about safety of testosterone treatment. Despite these challenges, participant retention has been high.

Conclusion: The Surviving Prostate cancer while Improving quality of life through Rehabilitation with Testosterone Trial, a placebo-controlled, randomized trial, will determine whether testosterone replacement therapy is safe and efficacious in correcting symptoms of testosterone deficiency in prostate cancer survivors, and potentially inform clinical practice.