
Estrogen Patches May Benefit Men With Prostate Cancer, NEJM Study Finds
A New England Journal of Medicine study found transdermal estradiol (estrogen patches) to be as effective as luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone antagonists in treating prostate cancer, with 3-year metastasis-free survival of 87.1% vs 85.9% and 5-year metastasis-free survival of 81.1% vs 79.2%. Estrogen patch users experienced far fewer hot flashes (44% vs 89%), but more breast enlargement (85% vs 42%). The report also notes a patch shortage for menopausal therapy and highlights potential broader benefits of estradiol, including brain health.












