In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the impact of testosterone levels before a stem cell transplantation (SCT) on outcomes in male patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
This study concluded that testosterone levels may predict the outcomes of these patients.
Some background
Testosterone is a male sex hormone. It is involved in the development of male reproductive tissues. Testosterone influences the endothelial (blood vessel walls) function and heart health in men. The endothelial function involves controlling the relaxation of blood vessels. Both endothelial function and vascular health play a role in the outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Allo-SCT involves removal of stem cells from a donor and transfer to a patient. The stem cells can then create new healthy cells.
It was not known what impact testosterone levels would have on the outcomes of transplants in males with AML.
Methods & findings
This study involved 176 patients with AML who received an allo-SCT. All patients had testosterone levels measured before the allo-SCT.
The lower pre-transplant testosterone levels (less than 250 ng/dL) were significantly associated with a 95% shorter overall survival (OS). Patients with lower pre-transplant testosterone levels were more likely to have non-relapse mortality (death not related to disease coming back). However, these patients were not more likely to have a relapse when compared to those with higher levels.
The bottom line
This study concluded that lower testosterone levels in male patients undergoing allo-HSCT for AML may predict a higher risk for mortality not related to relapse.
The fine print
This study was based on medical records. Information might have been missing. This might have affected the results. Further studies are needed.
Published By :
Haematologica
Date :
Jul 11, 2019
