Del Fabbro, E., Garcia, J.M., Dev, R., Hui, D., Williams, J., Engineer, D., . . . Bruera, E. (2013). Testosterone replacement for fatigue in hypogonadal ambulatory males with advanced cancer: A preliminary double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Supportive Care in Cancer, 21, 2599-2607.
Gluteal injections of testosterone or placebo were administered at baseline, day 15, day 29, day 43, and day 57. Outcome measures were determined on day 29.
PHASE OF CARE: Transition phase after active treatment
APPLICATIONS: Elder care and palliative care
Randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial
There were no statistically significant differences in FACIT-fatigue subscale or total scores; in testosterone levels between placebo and testosterone groups; and in the secondary outcome of anorexia/cachexia and sexual desire at day 29. ECOG-PS scores improved in the testosterone group, but the differences were not significant.
Testosterone replacements in hypogonadal male patients with advanced cancer did not significantly improve quality of life.
This study did not demonstrate any benefit of testosterone replacement in this group of patients.