New findings suggest shorter hormone therapy could be enough for many men with prostate cancer
For years, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been a mainstay in treating prostate cancer, often prescribed for extended periods to slow tumor growth. But a new study led by researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center points to a potential shift in practice. The investigators found that most of the benefits of ADT occur within the first 9 to 12 months, raising the possibility that continuing therapy beyond this window may offer limited additional advantage for many patients.
What the study screened for and why it matters
The study analyzed outcomes for men undergoing ADT as part of their prostate cancer treatment. By closely examining tumor response, progression-free survival, and overall outcomes, researchers identified a clear pattern: the majority of therapeutic gains happened early in the treatment course. While ADT can have meaningful short-term effects, extending therapy beyond a year did not consistently translate into substantially better results for many individuals.
These insights matter because they touch on a long-standing clinical question: how long should hormone suppression be maintained to balance cancer control with quality of life and potential side effects?
Clinical implications for patients and doctors
Shorter ADT durations could reduce exposure to side effects such as fatigue, metabolic changes, bone thinning, and sexual health impacts. For patients, fewer months on hormone therapy may mean a better overall quality of life without compromising cancer control in a meaningful way for many cases. Clinicians, in turn, can tailor treatment plans with a clearer understanding of when the benefits plateau, potentially sparing patients unnecessary treatment burdens.
Personalized treatment decisions
As with all cancer therapies, individual differences matter. Some patients may still benefit from longer courses of ADT based on tumor biology, genetic markers, stage of disease, or response to initial therapy. Shared decision-making remains essential. Oncologists may consider the early window of response, patient comorbidities, osteoporosis risk, cardiovascular health, and patient preferences when determining the optimal duration of hormone suppression.
What this means for current guidelines and future research
Guideline committees routinely update recommendations as new evidence emerges. The UCLA-led findings could influence future updates, encouraging a more nuanced approach that treats duration as a variable to be optimized rather than a default. Future trials are likely to investigate which subgroups benefit from shorter courses, how to monitor response most effectively, and what biomarkers best predict long-term outcomes after limited ADT exposure.
Balancing benefits with risks
ADT is an effective tool in combating prostate cancer, but it is not without risks. Shorter therapy could help minimize adverse effects while preserving efficacy for many men. Patients should discuss goals of care, symptom burden, and the potential trade-offs of shorter versus longer ADT with their oncology team. Regular follow-up, imaging as indicated, and management of side effects remain important components of comprehensive care.
Bottom line
The UCLA Health study adds an important layer to the evolving understanding of hormone therapy in prostate cancer. By highlighting that most benefits accrue in the first year, it opens the door to more personalized, patient-centered treatment planning. As research continues, clinicians hope to refine who truly needs extended ADT and how to monitor them most effectively, ensuring the best possible balance between disease control and quality of life.
