Using Diethylstilbestrol for Prostate Cancer

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic form of estrogen that has been employed since the 1940s as a medication for prostate cancer. Although DES has been found to cause certain types of cancer in women taking the medication as an estrogen replacement therapy, and can cause teratogenic birth defects in pregnant women, the testosterone-inhibiting effects of the medication make it an effective treatment for prostate cancer. Understanding the proper use of DES for prostate cancer can help to speed recovery during treatment.

DES and Prostate Cancer

• Prostate cancer can be exacerbated by the androgenic affects of testosterone. According to "The Evolution of Hormonal Therapy for Prostatic Carcinoma" by Dr. Michael K. Brawer, published in 2001 by MedReviews, higher testosterone levels can lead to cancerous growth, but DES, a synthetic estrogen, suppresses the production and effects of testosterone, which can in turn cause the tumor to shrink.

Treatment

• Diethylstilbestrol is available as an intravenous therapy in the United States. In Britain, DES is also available in tablet form, known by the generic name stilphostrol. A normal dose is close to 1 mg of DES, although your doctor will prescribe the correct amount to be administered. You should inform your doctor if you smoke or if you have diabetes, liver disease, high blood pressure or an unusual reaction to hormonal therapies before beginning treatment.

  In the U.S., as DES can only be administered intravenously, you will need to be punctual to all scheduled doctor's appointments for IV therapy. Diethylstilbestrol can interfere with other medications, such as bosentan, calcium salts, thyroid or growth hormone therapies, tricyclic antidepressants and cyclosporine, so inform your doctor of any other medications you will need to take during treatment. DES will generally be administered regularly to a patient until the tumor begins to shrink, or until a different medication is chosen.

Side Effects

• Women should not take diethylstilbestrol, as it can cause a harmful hormonal imbalance that can lead to vaginal or cervical cancer. An increased risk of thromboembolism, or blood clots, can occur during DES treatment. General side effects include changes in sexual desire and activity, mild indigestion, skin rash, weight gain and fatigue. You should let your doctor know immediately if you begin to experience any severe pains, headaches, yellowing skin, vision or speech problems, nausea, frequent mood changes or swelling of the joints.