Prevalence of Hot Flushes During and After Neoadjuvant Hormonal Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

Objectives: We sought to determine the prevalence of hot flushes after neoadjuvant hormonal therapy.

Methods: Forty-three patients who received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy before radical prostatectomy were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding hot flushes.

Results: Complete information was available for 35 of the 43 patients. No hot flushes were noted in 20%; in 69%, hot flushes were noted during treatment but resolved after termination of treatment; and in 11%, hot flushes continued for at least 3 months after cessation of hormonal therapy. Analyzing the data with respect to duration of hormonal therapy showed that patients receiving neoadjuvant hormonal therapy for more than 4 months had the highest incidence of persistent hot flushes.

Conclusions: Hot flushes will be noted in 80% of patients who receive neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. In approximately 10%, hot flushes will continue for a significant period after hormonal therapy is terminated. Patients should be apprised of this potential side effect.