Total testosterone density as a marker of tumor load in patients with prostate cancer

This study aimed to investigate a new way to evaluate prostate cancer risk, through the total testosterone density (TTD). This study found that TTD can be used to help manage patients with low-risk PCa.  

Testosterone is a hormone that is made by the testicles. It usually fuels the growth of prostate cancer (PCa) tumors. This can be measured in the blood as a tumor marker. After surgery, if any cancer cells remain, the size of the remaining tumor is called a tumor load. The ratio between the testosterone levels and tumor load is called the total testosterone density (TTD). It is unknown if the TTD has a bearing on patients with low risk PCa. 

This study included 144 patients with low-risk PCa. 104 patients had unfavorable risk factors. For example, a tumor being upgraded to a higher risk after surgery. Tumor load of more than 20% was also considered an unfavorable risk factor. 

TTD was associated with a higher body weight, a higher prostate volume, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA; a blood marker of PCa). In low-risk PCa patients, TTD was associated with a high tumor load. 

This study found that TTD is associated with tumor load and can be used to help better manage patients with low risk PCa.  

This study was based on medical records. Testosterone levels were only measured once. This might not represent the real status of a patient treated for PCa. Further studies are needed for stronger evidence.