androgen deprivation therapy

noun

: therapy for prostate cancer that severely reduces the body's production of androgens and especially testosterone through the administration of drugs or through surgical removal of the testicles

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The drug was being tested in combination with androgen deprivation therapy and Xtandi in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 25 Jan. 2023

The goal of androgen deprivation therapy with a drug like leuprolide (Lupron or Eligard) is to lower the blood testosterone and decrease stimulus for growth in prostate cancer and other testosterone-sensitive cancers. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

androgen deprivation therapy

noun

: therapy for prostate cancer that severely reduces the body's production of androgens and especially testosterone through the administration of drugs (such as flutamide and leuprolide) or through surgical removal of the testicles

Androgen deprivation therapy works by lowering levels of male hormones, including testosterone, which can spur prostate cancer cells to grow. This is often done with drugs, though some men have their testicles removed.

—Andy Dworkin, The Star-Ledger (Newark, New Jersey)