Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Second Edition: An Essential Guide for Prostate Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones

by Richard J. Wassersug PhD, Lauren Walker PhD, John Robinson PhD, R Psych

Overview

Praise for Androgen Deprivation Therapy:

"Every man who is a candidate for ADT needs to read this outstanding book.”

–Patrick C. Walsh, MD, University Distinguished Service Professor of Urology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution

“This new and updated second edition will again be an important and valuable resource for the vast majority of men who are faced with the need to start ADT for treatment of progressive and advanced forms of prostate cancer – whether for a few months or for the rest of their lives. It is a book we will again recommend to patients when they ask us about issues related to life on ADT.”

—E. Michael D. (“Mike”) Scott Co-Founder and President Prostate Cancer International

This expanded new edition of Androgen Deprivation Therapy remains the only guide written exclusively about the side effects of hormone therapy. This is a comprehensive workbook for prostate cancer patients and their loved ones, filled with practical advice from experts in the field. The book covers a wealth of strategies to help men cope with ADT and maintain a good quality of life while on this treatment. It is not only an informational manual, but a guide for both patients and partners about ways to make changes in their own lives that can keep them healthy and positive when the patient is on ADT.

New to this Edition:

• Updates to every chapter, including an extensive update on the various drugs used for androgen deprivation
• Suggestions for managing the physical side effects of ADT, such as hot flashes, weight gain, muscle loss, and fatigue
• Strategies to handle the emotional side effects, including coping with mood swings and depression
• Advice on how to maintain intimacy despite reduced libido and difficulties with erections
• A new chapter on the psychological and relational impact of ADT on gay men
• Exercises, activities, worksheets, and other tools to promote discussion and inspire sustainable behavioral changes that can reduce the burden of ADT

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826183910
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	06/13/2018
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

"Richard Wassersug is a research scientist, who got his PhD in evolutionary biology from the University of Chicago. He then spent most of his career studying the biology of amphibians and teaching anatomy in the medical school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. However, at the age of 52 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and has since receiving multiple treatments for the disease. After beginning androgen deprivation therapy, he redirected his research to study the psychology of androgen deprivation in various populations. Richard is now an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia and Co-Lead for the Vancouver Prostate Centre's new Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program."

"Lauren Walker has a PhD in clinical psychology, and is a clinical fellow in the Department of Oncology at the University of Calgary and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. She completed her doctorate research evaluating a patient education initiative for preparing prostate cancer patients (and their partners) starting on androgen deprivation therapy. She works clinically with couples helping them adapt to the sexual implications of cancer treatments. She is an active researcher, who has contributed several key articles to the scientific literature on the psychosocial adaptation to androgen deprivation therapy."

"John Robinson has been a clinical psychologist and a member of the Genital Urinary Program at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, Alberta since 1986. He concurrently provides clinical service and develops new ways to ease the psychological burden of cancer on not just patients but also their loved ones. He has appointments in both Oncology and Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary where he teaches and carries on an active research program."

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Chapter One: Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Chapter Two: Physical Side Effects

Chapter Three: Exercise

Chapter Four: Healthy Eating

Chapter Five: Effects on Psychological Well-Being

Chapter Six: Effects on Intimate Relationships and Sexuality

Chapter Seven: Impact on Committed Relationships

Chapter Eight: Unique Considerations for Gay Relationships

Chapter Nine: Conclusion: Staying Healthy

Glossary

Resources

Bibliography

Acknowledgments

Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Anne E Calvaresi, DNP, CRNP, RNFA (Thomas Jefferson University)
Description: Experts in medical specialties who effectively care for prostate cancer patients provide an important guide for managing the side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for both patients and their loved ones.
Purpose: The authors provide up-to-date information on ADT products and their mechanism of action. They also discuss the possible side effects associated with the medications and the most effective ways to manage those adverse effects. This is a wonderful guidebook for patients.
Audience: This guide can be used by patients, family members, and friends as a means of navigating the road while on ADT. It is also an effective reference for healthcare professionals who care for prostate cancer patients on ADT.
Features: The book thoroughly explains ADT and discusses the physical and psychological side effects of the treatment as well as the best methods to help manage them. It also helps patients and their loved ones to manage the side effects related to their interpersonal and, when applicable, their intimate relationships. It uses pharmaceutical, holistic, and physical activity methods in the most comprehensive manner to deal with the extensive list of side effects facing these patients. Additionally, it provides methods for patients to address their questions and concerns and offers suggestions (with space for taking notes) on how to approach these issues with providers and friends /family. The chapters are well organized, concise, and easy to navigate. They are accompanied by bolded paragraphs and charts that summarize the contents of each section.
Assessment: This will become a necessary book for patients being treated with ADT for prostate cancer. It is a portable, reader friendly guide that provides a concise, yet comprehensive approach to managing the side effects and interpersonal relationships of these patients.

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