Testosterone surge: rationale for gonadotropin-releasing hormone blockers?

H Van Poppel, S Nilsson - Urology, 2008 - Elsevier
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists currently form the mainstay of
management of advanced prostate cancer. They effectively suppress serum testosterone
levels, which in turn inhibits tumor growth. However, the initial response to GnRH agonists is
a transient increase in the serum testosterone levels. Known as a testosterone surge, this
can lead to a worsening of symptoms and can adversely affect survival. Therefore, much
interest exists in the development of a new class of drugs—GnRH antagonists—which …