2026-03-31 08:07:23

Hormone patches typically used by menopausal women could soon be offered to men as treatment for prostate cancer.

A major UK study has found the patches work just as well as standard hormone injections at slowing the disease – while causing fewer side effects and reducing hospital visits.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 63,000 cases and 12,000 deaths each year.

Researchers from University College London tested the approach on 1,360 men with locally advanced prostate cancer, with an average age of 72.

Patients were given either traditional injections to block testosterone — the hormone that fuels the cancer — or patches delivering oestradiol through the skin.

The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed both treatments were equally effective at controlling the disease.

However, the patches were found to be gentler on patients.

Standard injections are known to cause side effects including hot flushes, weakened bones and increased risk of heart problems.

By contrast, men using patches experienced fewer of these issues – although they were more likely to develop painful breast swelling, known as gynaecomastia.

Experts say the convenience factor could also be a game-changer, with patches applied at home instead of requiring regular GP or hospital visits.

Lead author Professor Ruth Langley said: “We believe our findings should allow men with locally advanced prostate cancer to choose the hormone therapy that suits them best.

“For some men, side effects like hot flushes can be very debilitating, so the patches could greatly improve quality of life.”

Cancer Research UK’s Caroline Geraghty added: “This trial shows hormone patches are just as effective as traditional injections at controlling prostate cancer, while being much easier and gentler to administer.

“This could give men greater choice over their treatment, helping them to live not just longer lives, but better lives.”

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