Percutaneous orchiectomy: A noninvasive method of castration beyond percutaneous testicular sclerosis

Abstract

e16153 Background: Surgical castration is the gold standard for hormonal deprivation in metastatic prostate cancer, nevertheless this simple procedure may involve on psychological consequences. According to many studies, it's possible to achieve ischemic lesion in liver tissue beyond sclerosants agents (like alcohol or glycerol), however there are very few reports about the effects of such agents in testicles. These study objectives evaluating histological and morphological characteristics of rat testicles submitted to percutaneous administration of sclerosants agents and also, to compare serum testosterone levels between rats submitted to a surgical orchiectomy or percutaneous injection. Methods: Twenty four rats have been shared in four groups with eight animals each. In group O, rats were submitted to bilateral orchiectomy. In the other groups, rats were submitted to percutaneous administration of a sclerosant agent and orquiectomy after thirty days as follows: Group A, Alcohol injection; Group G - Glycerol; Group S - Saline solution (control group). Serum testosterone level was measured after 15 and 30 days in each animal. Results: There is no complication or death in this series. Rats of groups A and G comparing to control group (group S) had smaller testicular weight (0,8±0,1g; 1±0,2g versus 3,15±0,1g p<0,0000001) and smaller testicular volume (0,16±0,05mL; 0,23±0,11mL versus 2,38±0,05mL p<0,0000001). Testosterone serum levels were as similar in groups A and G (sclerosis) as in group O (orchiectomy). After 15 days testosterone levels were A=2,9±0,74 ng\dL; G=2,8±0,39 ng\dL versus O=2,91±1,46ng\dL p=0,99; and after 30 days were A=2,58±0,4ng\mL, G=2,78±0,3ng\mL versus O=2,7±0,95ng\mL p=0,895). Histological findings show extensive necrosis beyond macrophagic infiltration and no Leydig cells visualized.There is no significantly statistical difference between Alcohol and Glycerol groups. Conclusions: Percutaneous administration of alcohol or glycerol in rats testicles causes atrophy and reduces testosterone serum levels like it occurs after surgical castration. More studies are necessary to evaluate if this minimally invasive procedure may be an alternative to surgical orchiectomy in advanced prostate cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.