Elimination of the testicular testosterone production by electron irradiation of the testes of patients with carcinoma of the prostate

Irradiation of the testes of 11 patients with carcinoma of the prostate aged 68 to 78 years with 20 Gy (5 x 2 Gy per week) decreased the plasma testosterone levels to 70.3% of the initial value. After operative orchidectomy, however, a decrease of the plasma testosterone level to 5% of the value before operation was observed. Therefore, the operative orchidectomy cannot be replaced by irradiation of the testes. Higher radiation doses would cause skin injuries and be a cancerogen noxa. (author)