The effects of GnRH analogues and antiandrogenes in preventing the gonadotoxic effects of COPP chemotherapy

• Published in: International urology and nephrology 2001, Vol.33 (4), p.651
• Main Authors: Göçmen, M, Akay, A F, Sahin, H, Deniz, M, Nergiz, Y, Bircan, M K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Androgen Antagonists - therapeutic use; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal - therapeutic use; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - adverse effects; Cyclophosphamide - adverse effects; Flutamide - therapeutic use; Goserelin - therapeutic use; Male; Prednisone - adverse effects; Procarbazine - adverse effects; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vincristine - adverse effects
• ISSN: 0301-1623; 1573-2584
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1020518916072

In this study we aimed to discuss whether the gonadal suppression is effective or not in preventing the gonadal toxic effects of some chemotherapeutics. Forty Sprague-Dawley adult male rats were randomised into 4 groups, each consisting of 10. No drugs were given to the first group. The second group received GnRH agonist and antiandrogen, the third group received COPP chemotherapy protocol and the last group received COPP together with GnRH agonist and antiandrogen. Ninety days after drug application we sacrificed all rats. Total body weight, testicular weight and testicular size measurements were all recorded. All testicular tissues were examined histologically for the ratio of active seminiferous tubules. There was no difference in total body weight. The weight and measurements of testicular tissues were decreased in-group 3 and 4 when compared with 1 and 2. The amount of active seminiferous tubules was significantly less in the third group. As a conclusion we think that gonadal suppression applied during chemotherapy regimen could decrease the testicular toxic effects of chemotherapeutic but more clinical investigations needed for routine application.