Testosterone-anastrozole pellets

radgal

I will be seeing a physician regarding having injection of testosterone-anastrozole pellets.

There are two videos on Nancy Liebowitz, MD website that discuss this at length.

For breast cancer survivors, the anastozole prevents the testosterone from being converted to estrogen and there are no side effects with anastrozole because of the testosterone.

Please go to www.drnancylebowitz.com to see her two videos, one on testosterone pellets and one for breast cancer survivors.

mesharon1959

This is interesting to me. I have been taking testosterone pellets with estrogen (2 test to 1 est). However now I have ER+ DCIS and will have to give up the estrogen....but I would like to keep the testosterone. I think I'll chat with my oncologist (when I get that far) and see if the pellets you're speaking of are something that would work for me. Thanks for sharing!

slg76

I'm thinking of using the testosterone/AI pellets. I am ER/PR+. I'm hoping that the testosterone will help me feel better overall. Is there anyone that has tried the pellets? I'm surprised that more people aren't using them based on the research showing the effectiveness and how much better women say they feel on testosterone. Am I missing something?

sbelizabeth

My onc wrote me a prescription for testosterone cream but I was too chicken to have it filled. The estrogen I was taking gave me breast cancer, I'm sure of it...now I'm afraid to even use soy sauce!

dtad

sig76 I have researched the pellets extensively. I even had an appointment to get them. There is another woman on this forum who was a step ahead of me. Right before she began the treatment her doc wanted her to test her tumor for testosterone receptors and it was positive. That kind of derailed me. Other than that however I think it's a great alternative to the A's. I'm going to talk to my bc surgeon this month about testing my tumor for testosterone receptors. I would love to keep in touch about your journey with them. Please feel free to PM me. Good luck and keep us posted...

dtad

sbelizabeth I would love to know what your onc has to say about my above post.....

Momine

What is the purpose of getting testosterone supplementation?

dtad

Most women as they age are low in testosterone which can cause a lot of issues. The testosterone/ anastrozole pellets are used because the testosterone buffers the SE of anastrozole. Anyone interested can private message me for more information....

mountainmama1973

mesharon195.... You sound similiar to me...I have 7.5 cm of DCIS but a tiny bit of microinvasion, clear margins. Partial mastectomy with reconstruction of left and right for reduction. Left had the DCIS. I did not opt for rads. Did you? I am only 2 weeks post op and feeling fantastic....Have the AI's and considering starting those soon....Are you taking those? Thanks!

treelilac

2 questions just popped up in my head: how does testosterone buffer the AI's effect and make us feel better? Dose that mean it won't work with "younger" (I'm 47) people since testosterone wasn't that low to begin with? Thanks anybody for answering in advance.

Momine

Treelilac, I am curious too. But since I tend to have too much testosterone, I doubt pellets would be a great idea for me. Besides, I fell pretty good most of the time. There are downsides to induced menopause, but also upsides. On balance, I am ok with it.

lakincaid518

Dtad, would you be willing to share any of your research sources. I am currently considering T + A pellet therapy and have only been able to locate the following study:

Reduced breast cancer incidence in women treated with subcutaneous testosterone, or testosterone with anastrozole: A prospective, observational study

Rebecca L. Glaser, Constantine Dimitrakakis

Thanks in advance.

dtad

Rebecca Glaser is the doc who pioneered the pellets. There is also a Youtube video by Dr. Nancy Leibowitz. Dr. Glaser is in Ohio and Dr. Leibowitz is in NYC. Im seeing Dr. Liebowitz. The one thing that really struck me about this treatment is that they actually test your hormone levels every 3 months to see where you are and adjust them accordingly. This makes so much sense to me. Ill never get over the fact that conventional docs give us anti hormones and then never test our levels. Just so you know the pellets are not something conventional docs advocate. In fact my MO told me she would rather me do nothing than do this. However this is also the doc who guaranteed me I would have no side effects from anti hormone treatment. Really? Maybe If I could of had an honest conversation with her I would have made a different decision but for now this is my choice. Good luck to all.....

lakincaid518

Dtad, thanks for your response. I agree, it is a very frustrating situation. I too had not had any hormone level testing until I went in for a consult with the BioT doc. I am struggling with the side effects of tamoxifen like so many of us are. Waiting on test results now. Will be seeing my onc next week for a regular checkup. BioT doc has already warned me they will advise against it. Just wanted to hear others experiences before I make a decision.

Kxn11

I am going to be seeing Dr. Glaser next week for my pellets. My oncologist okayed this but suggested that I take the oral Anastrozole with the T pellets. She wants this as Dr. Glaser has no studies that show that Anastrazole is effective in pellet form.I will be so happy if the testosterone helps with the tiredness and brain fog that I feel from taking the Anastrozole, which is my worst side effect. I will keep you posted.

chef127

I had a consultation with Dr Lebowitz on Monday. She suggested 3 T pellets and 12 mg of anastrozole which should last for 3-5 months depending on how quickly my body metabolizes the pellets, Not cheap. 400$ for consult, 340$ for the pellets and 400$ for the insertion and future pellet insertion will be at least 740$. Blood work will follow in several weeks post insertion to see if the dose is appropriate for me and doses will be adjusted if needed for the next dose. I spoke with my MO and he was on board with the T but ONLY with the anastrozole pellets.

She did a quick pelvic exam, breast exam (half-assed), and went over my med records. I need to get a trans vag US at another facility before the insertion in 3 weeks

I didn't like her but her staff was wonderful and helpful. She seemed distracted, rushed, and not really interested in what I had to say and the trip to NYC is a PITA.

Will keep you posted post pellet insertion.

xox

dtad

I was wondering if either of these docs discussed the issue of tumors being testosterone receptive and whether or not the pellets would be contraindicated in that case?

Longtermsurvivor

It's a rather obscure treatment for metastatic breast cancer. *

Topical androgel (testosterone) has helped me by slowing breast cancer progression for a while.

I've kept taking it to help with strength and stamina as I'm dealing with cancer cachexia (muscle wasting).

I don't fall down and can still move around...pretty good at this stage of the advanced breast cancer journey.

My voice hasn't deepened and I'm not more hairy than usual, though those are frequent side effects.

Blessings for all of us at all stages, Stephanie

* Therapeutic activity of testoterone in metastatic breast cancer.

Boni C(1), Pagano M, Panebianco M, Bologna A, Sierra NM, Gnoni R, Formisano D, Bisagni G.

Author information:

(1)Department of Oncology, Oncology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di

Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio

Emilia, Italy. boni.corrado@asmn.re.it.

Anticancer Res. 2014 Mar;34(3):1287-90.

BACKGROUND: Hormone therapy plays an important role in the management of breast cancer. In the past, testosterone was the most common line of hormonal therapy for this disease, but its use has been almost completely abandoned in the past 40 years. However, because of earlier reports on favorable therapeutic results, we re-evaluated its use for treatment of hormone-responsive patients who have become refractory to other lines of hormonal therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive patients with positive metastatic breast cancer who had become refractory to treatment with other hormones and whose disease was progressing, were treated with testosterone propionate, 250 mg once every two weeks, twice, and then once every four weeks until disease progression, drug toxicity, or death.

RESULTS: Regression of disease was seen in 9 patients (17%; 2% complete and 15% partial). Stabilization of disease was seen in 22 patients (41.5%). In the remaining 22 patients (41,5%), the disease progressed. Median overall survival was 12 months from beginning of testosterone treatment. Hirsutism and dysphonia were noted occasionally, but were not distressing enough to mandate cessation of treatment. There was no major toxicity except for two non-fatal pulmonary emboli.

CONCLUSION: Testosterone showed a significant therapeutic activity in previously hormone-treated patients with metastatic breast cancer who were no longer responding to such treatment and whose disease was progressing. These results warrant consideration of testosterone use as treatment for patients with hormone-sensitive metastatic breast cancer.

PMID: 24596374 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

chef127

I can't understand why tx with testosterone is so obscure. It was successfully used for BC 50 years ago and now, from the research I've done, it does mitigate the se's of the AI's without harm and has a lot of benefit. Am I not understanding?

Longtermsurviver, good on you for using the Androgel. If the anastrozole and T pellets give me any adverse se's I will try to get the T alone or try the Androgel and learn the "Art of Shaving". Shaving your face is good for your complexion and exfoliates.

Did your dr rx it for you? I don't think my drs will be on board?? I called my MO and he did say that the Testosterone pellets were a positive but ONLY with the AI for BC. This is one way to get me to try the anastrozole. I have refused to take it for the last 4.5 years.

I'm trying the T&A pellets in an effort to improve my QOL. I have MS, the Testosterone is neuro protective and I'm hoping to regain my strength (muscle tone) balance, fatigue, cognitive function, etc. There are no meds available to fight my disabling symptoms so I'm putting my faith in the T. I want my life back. I can't even travel w/o a chaperone. My DD took a day off from work to hold my hand to take me to see Dr L. NYC is about 20 miles away from my home......but what a zoo. I can walk with a cane, but there are times if I walk too much gravity takes over and pulls down my upper body, cute.

BC is at the bottom of my list, although I do not underestimate the fact that it can take me out. I hope our drs get on board and start using this. The T&A pellets have been in clinical trial for 5+years with good results so far but I think the FDA wants 10 years before its approved for use and maybe it will be covered by ins.

Hoping for strength and peace for us all.

xoxMaureen

radgal

Hi everyone,

I just came across this thread and wanted to post a follow-up to it since I started it.

After my lumpectomy and intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT), I read here about the side effects of AIs and Tamoxifen and they scared me.

I then came across Dr. Glaser's work and Nancy Liebowitz's videos regarding testosterone pellets.

I was excited about receiving testosterone pellets combined with AIs because quite frankly, the testosterone pellets seemed like a miracle drug to offset the AI side effects.

Hence this is what drove me to write this original post.

I found doctor here in L.A., Dr. Howard Liebowitz, who prescribes testosterone pellets and made an appointment with him.

He started me off on testosterone cream to help determine what dosage of pellets to take.

Shortly thereafter, I had my follow-up appointment with my breast surgeon and shared with him about the testosterone pellets.

My breast surgeon, Dr. Dennis Holmes, is a pioneer of IORT and doing research on hormone-receptive breast cancer and IORT.

He informed me that breast cancer can not only be estrogen or progesterone positive but also androgen (testosterone) positive.

My tumor had only been tested for estrogen and progesterone. He requested that my tumor biopsy tissue be re-sent to the lab to see if it was androgen-receptive.

It turns out that it was. My tumor is ER+, PR+ and androgen (testosterone) positive.

As such, I discontinued the testosterone cream immediately and stopped seeing Dr. Liebowitz as well (he was very expensive anyway.)

In that I started this thread and was naively passionate about testosterone pellets (bottom line was that they help with maintaining/losing weight and that was one of the biggest motives to take them), I felt it important to follow-up here and state that I am not taking testosterone in any form, nor am I taking any AIs or Tamoxifen.

I'm afraid of the side effects of the AIs and Tamoxifen and am not willing to take testosterone in any form knowing now what I know.

Hope this helps and lots of love to you all~

dlb823

I know nothing about this new combo, but for what it's worth, testosterone was one of the hormones I was on along with other things to balance my hormones following my early stage dx in 2008. And in 2014 I had a metastatic recurrence. I'm not saying testosterone was to blame, and I actually largely attribute my recurrence to an extremely stressful life experience in the 5 mos. prior to my re-dx. But my gut instinct tells me in retrospect that it was not a wise thing to do, nor would I ever recommend it to other bc survivors. I feel strongly that once we've had bc, there's no predicting what will set any possible remaining latent bc cells in motion, and clearly adding testosterone, along with I3C (in lieu of Anastrazole), DHEA and some other things, didn't work out for me.

chef127

Radgal and dib823,

Thanx for coming back and telling us about your experience with the testosertone. Too many unanswered questions. However, I found no information in my research about Testosterone replacement and being andro+. I have read that being androgen+ BC has a better outcome and I've read BC being treated w/anti andro meds. Very confusing.

I called my MO and he did say he read the research on T replacement (5 years ago) and it is a good thing for BC patients but the anastrozole MUST be included. T converts into E2 but the A mitigates that action. Many women (men too) without BC get the T pellets and they include the A pellets as not to overwhelm the body w/E2.

I went to see Dr Lebowitz in NYC (did not like her, she's not very thorough) but all I wanted was the T&A pellet insertion. She sent me for a TVUS and checked my latest mammo, no bloodwork til 3 weeks post T&A pellets to see if the dose was sufficient, after the fact.

I had 12mg T and 9mg A implanted 9 days ago and so far only minimal improvement on my fatigue, cog fog, balance, etc, at a cost of 1500$. IF it helps me, money well spent. She said it can take 3 weeks?????? but for the first time in 5 years since BC dx, I'm on an AI. The only reason for this tx, for me, is to get the life back that a neuro condition took away, not BC. Here's hoping.

Maureen

gemini4

chef, forgive me if this question was addressed earlier in the thread, but how long will this implant be effective? I'm just trying to figure out what the $1,500 cost amounts to over time.

I hope this regimen turns out to be very helpful for you. Please post updates at your convenience! :-

chef127

Hello Gemini4,

The breakdown of that fee is 400$ consultation, which I feel was not very thorough, 400$ for the insertion by Dr.L (a 10 minute procedure), and the cost of the pellets depending on how many are needed. Mine turned out to be 300$ for 3 pellets. (3 T and 3 A) so the final cost turned out to be 1100$. She said they should last 3-4 mo, but I did read that some can last 6 mo??????? depending on how YOUR body metabolises the pellets.

I'm 2 weeks in and so far I feel a bit better. Clearer mentally, less fatigue, less vertigo, but I am feeling the effects of the Anastrozole I think. ugh. It takes 3 weeks to give me an idea of the final effects. I go for blood work at the 3 week mark to see if the dose of the T was enough or too much for the next dose of the pellets. I hope it gets better and is worth the expense. I think I need more of the T????

Can you find a hormone Dr in Mass that uses the pellets?

Maureen

dtad

Hi radgal. Its goo to hear from you. I called Dr. Glaser about the testosterone issue when your tumor is androgen receptive. She thinks its still ok. Honestly her explaination was a little over my head but maybe you should try to contact her about to. I also do not understand why it helps Stage 4 but not Stage 1. Any feedback on that?

radgal

Dear dtad,

I do not want to take testosterone as my tumor responds to testosterone.

I want to live. : )

Thank you

gemini4

Chef, thanks for your reply. Last question (but I'm thinking that the answer is probably "no" 😡) -- does your insurance cover any of the cost?

I haven't looked in to providers in my area, but I'm in metro Boston and would imagine someone offers this therapy. I'm still on tamoxifen -- though I haven't had a period in over a year, my estrogen levels were not low enough at my last MO appointment earlier this year to switch to anAI. I'll get re-tested in August. I like to learn as much as I can, though, about complementary therapies for AIs -- will definitely look in to this. That said, my MO is not very adventuresome, so I don't know if she would allow this therapy. I would definitely want approval but would be open to finding another MO at that point.

chef127

gemini4,

Your guess is right. NOT covered by insurance, unless your a male with low-T or hyper-gonad. Not fair since technically women also suffer from low-T but the FDA doesn't recognize this as a problem...yet.

Some of the procedure may be covered, Insertion and gyno evaluation, blood work????

Dr L insisted on cash so it's up to me to contact insurance to see if any of it is covered. Call your insurance co.

My results from the pellets, so far, is minimal, hot flashes have intensified, worse joint pain, insomnia, (menopause symptoms) increased appetite and very little for my QOL. I'm hopeless due to the MS. This is the first time in my 5 years of BC that I've taken the arimidex so I'm not a good measure of how others will do with the pellets. I was looking for a bit of a miracle. The T&A pellets may work for someone not suffering from so much shit besides menopause and AI therapy. I would prefer tx w/Test alone but because of BC that's not possible unless I find another BIH dr and not mention my BC.

Maureen

lbrewer

there is currently a clinical trial of the T pellets. You can find locations on clinical trials.gov. The tech in my MO office told me she was doing it.. I called the Dr office but they told me they no longer do the pellets...they couldn't get enough patients and the Dr didn't like doing the insertion so they switched to T cream.

Not driving an hour for a cream,! Hopefully my MO will prescribe it when I go next week!

chef127

As a last resort I would be willing to try the T cream (Androgel) but it does have a half life and the pellets are continuous. My MO said he read the research and it is helpful but the T alone could be dangerous for ER+ BC without the addition of Arimidex. It seems to me that the A would cancel out the the benefits of the T???? Logic or stupidity? I see MO in October and I'll ask about the Androgel and perhaps oral arimidex or tamoxifen

I'm pretty sure any PCP can rx the gel.

Maureen

dtad

Still confused