Goserelin therapy has been shown to be an advantage in local control, but only an advantage in survival in cases of high PSA or gleason score. The amount of time that the androgen deprivation therapy is to be given is controversial. In large tumors with high PSA and gleason scores, it is recommended that the patient stay on goserelin for life. For others it has been debated whether goserelin treatment is needed at all, for 6 months, or for 2 - 5 years. Some of the side effects include impotence and hot flashes similar to what women go through with menopause.
Impotence is usually a temporary symptom that remains as long as one remains on the medication.
Once the goserelin is stopped, sexual function should return to what it was prior to goserelin. Sexual drive or libido is also diminished with goserelin, but this is also temporary. There should not be any incontinence caused by goserelin. Please check our site on hormonal therapy and prostate cancer for further information. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease.