Improving Cancer-related Fatigue, Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Older Men With Cancer and Androgen Deficiency
Summary
This is a large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy of testosterone replacement on cancer-related fatigue in older men with solid or hematologic (blood) cancer who report fatigue and have low testosterone levels.
Detailed description
The overall objective is to conduct a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial to determine the efficacy of 6 months of physiological testosterone replacement therapy in improving cancer related fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and body composition and muscle function in men 55 years and older with solid or hematologic (blood) cancers, who report fatigue and have testosterone deficiency. There will be 5 study visits: 1) Screening, 2) Baseline, 3) 2-Week Dose Adjustment Visit, 4) Three-month visit (Week 12), and 5) Six-month visit. Testosterone or placebo gels will be applied by eligible trial participants at home; participants will be trained on gel application procedures by research personnel.
Arms & interventions
- Drugtestosterone 1.62% gel
The gel will be applied daily by the participants (all participants will be trained in the application process and will be given printed instructions). The intervention will be for 6 months
- Otherplacebo gel
The gel will be applied daily by the participants (all participants will be trained in the application process and will be given printed instructions). The intervention will be for 6 months
Outcome measures
Primary
Fatigue change
Primary outcome is change in fatigue score. Fatigue will be assessed by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy fatigue scale (FACIT-Fatigue)- The FACIT-Fatigue has been widely used in studies related to cancer-related fatigue and is able to detect clinically meaningful differences in fatigue scores in response to treatment. Population norms for the FACIT are also available, facilitating the interpretation of fatigue levels in patient populations. This instrument has been well-validated, is responsive to treatment and more sensitive to change in fatigue than other instruments. Score range: 0-52, the higher the score the better quality of life.
Time frame: 6 months
Secondary
Change in Sexual Activity Score
Time frame: 6 months
Eligibility criteria
Study locations (3)
Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University
Augusta, Georgia, 30912
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System
Seattle, Washington, 98108