Male cancer patients given HRT in trial at Yorkshire hospital

MEN whose testosterone levels drop after cancer treatment could be given hormone replacement therapy if a new study launched in Yorkshire today is successful.

By The Newsroom

Published 28th Jun 2012, 07:00 BST

The trial is being run at Sheffield’s Weston Park Hospital, which treats cancer patients from across the region, and is being funded by the charity Cancer Research UK.

Around 270 men who have suffered with cancer are being recruited to take part in the study, which will see them given a gel containing testosterone which is absorbed through the skin.

The impact on potential side effects of cancer treatment, such as weight gain, less energy and low sex drive, will be compared by giving some patients a placebo gel.

Prof Richard Ross, who is leading the study, said HRT was already used in rare cases where men suffered “very low levels” of the hormone, after undergoing prolonged treatment.

But he added: “This study is looking at whether those with only slightly low levels – a much larger group of men – would also benefit from this treatment.”