Hormone Patches Effective for Prostate Cancer, Trial Shows | UCL Research

Men newly diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer may soon have a new treatment option: hormone patches. A large clinical trial led by University College London (UCL) researchers has found that these patches are as effective at controlling the disease as the traditional injections typically used for hormone therapy. This finding could offer a more convenient and potentially less disruptive way to manage the condition, impacting thousands of men in England and mirroring access already available in Wales and Scotland.

Understanding Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer relies on testosterone to grow. Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), aims to suppress testosterone levels, slowing or stopping the cancer’s progression. Traditionally, this has been achieved through injections of drugs like luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists or antagonists, which signal the body to produce less testosterone. As the UCLH website explains, hormone therapy doesn’t cure prostate cancer, but it’s a crucial part of managing the disease, particularly when it has spread just outside the prostate gland – a stage known as locally advanced cancer.

The STAMPEDE Trial and Patch Effectiveness

The research, stemming from the landmark STAMPEDE clinical trial, compared the effectiveness of abiraterone (a hormone therapy drug) delivered in conjunction with standard care, including androgen deprivation therapy, using either injections or hormone patches. The trial demonstrated that adding abiraterone to standard treatment could halve the risk of death from the disease and leisurely overall progression for men with high-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer. The latest analysis focused specifically on the delivery method of the hormone therapy component.

While detailed results regarding the patch-specific outcomes haven’t been fully published as of March 25, 2026, the UCL press release indicates the patches performed comparably to injections in controlling testosterone levels and achieving positive clinical outcomes. This is significant because injections require regular visits to a healthcare provider, while patches can be self-administered at home, potentially improving quality of life and adherence to treatment.

Who Benefits from This Change?

The change in NHS England’s guidance primarily affects around 8,000 men diagnosed annually with high-risk, locally advanced prostate cancer. The UCL news report estimates that this new approach could reduce deaths from prostate cancer in this group by around 50%, potentially saving approximately 900 lives each year. Men in Wales and Scotland already had access to abiraterone in combination with hormone therapy, so the NHS England announcement brings treatment access into alignment across Great Britain.

What Does This Imply in Practical Terms?

For patients, the availability of hormone patches offers increased convenience and control over their treatment. Self-application eliminates the need for frequent clinic visits, reducing travel time and potential disruption to daily life. However, it’s important to note that hormone therapy, whether delivered via injection or patch, comes with potential side effects. These can include fatigue, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, and changes in mood. Patients should discuss these potential side effects with their healthcare team and explore strategies for managing them.

Understanding Trial Limitations and Future Research

While the STAMPEDE trial is highly regarded, it’s crucial to understand its limitations. As with any clinical trial, the results apply specifically to the population studied – men with high-risk, locally advanced prostate cancer who participated in the trial. The findings may not be generalizable to all men with prostate cancer, particularly those with different risk profiles or stages of the disease. Long-term outcomes and the potential for resistance to hormone therapy still require ongoing monitoring. The trial’s design, a randomized controlled trial, helps to minimize bias, but factors such as patient adherence and individual responses to treatment can still influence outcomes.

The Role of Abiraterone and How it Works

The success of this treatment approach hinges on the drug abiraterone. It works by blocking the production of androgens, including testosterone, not just in the testes but also in other parts of the body, such as the adrenal glands and the tumor itself. This comprehensive blockade can be particularly effective in slowing cancer growth. Abiraterone is typically given in combination with a steroid called prednisolone to counteract potential side effects.

What Comes Next: Implementation and Ongoing Monitoring

Now that NHS England has approved the use of hormone patches for this patient group, the focus shifts to implementation. This involves ensuring that healthcare providers are trained in patch application and monitoring, and that patients have access to the necessary resources and support. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will likely continue to monitor the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the treatment, and guidelines may be updated as new evidence emerges. Further research is also needed to explore the optimal duration of hormone therapy and to identify biomarkers that can predict which patients are most likely to benefit from this approach. Ongoing surveillance of prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates will be crucial to assess the long-term impact of this new treatment option.