Overview
- A UCL-led randomized trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found oestradiol skin patches controlled locally advanced prostate cancer as well as standard testosterone‑blocking injections.
- Among 1,360 men at 75 UK centres, 87% on patches and 86% on injections were alive without their cancer spreading after at least three years.
- Patches produced fewer hot flushes and fewer fractures but far more breast swelling, with 44% vs 89% reporting hot flushes, fractures at 2.8% vs 5.8% at five years, and gynaecomastia at 85% vs 42%.
- Patches can be applied at home, while LHRH agonist injections require repeat GP or hospital visits, which could reduce travel and clinic time for patients.
- The patches are licensed for menopause but not for prostate cancer, so wider NHS use depends on a licence extension, and UCL’s commercial arm is engaging manufacturers to pursue that step.