TLDR Men, especially older ones with health issues like prostate cancer, may have worse COVID-19 outcomes and could benefit from therapies targeting male hormones.
The document from July 8, 2020, examines the sex differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and the implications for prostate cancer patients. It notes that COVID-19 outcomes are generally more severe in men, particularly older males with comorbidities such as COPD, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Prostate cancer patients are at an increased risk due to weakened immune systems and higher rates of comorbid conditions. The document also explores the role of androgens and the androgen receptor in immune response, suggesting that higher androgen levels could increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and that antiandrogens and androgen deprivation therapies might offer protective effects against the virus. However, the document does not provide specific participant numbers for the studies it references. It also discusses ongoing clinical trials and research into COVID-19 treatments that could affect prostate cancer management, emphasizing the need for further investigation and the development of therapeutic options for these patients.
123 citations,
May 2020 in “Drug Development Research” Men's sensitivity to male hormones might affect how severe COVID-19 gets for them.
4 citations,
April 2020 in “medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)” Men taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for prostate issues may be less likely to experience severe COVID-19, but it doesn't prevent ICU admission or death.
134 citations,
April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Male pattern hair loss could hint at androgens affecting COVID-19 severity.
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77 citations,
July 2020 in “European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology” Blocking the virus's entry into cells by targeting certain pathways could lead to early COVID-19 treatments.
42 citations,
June 2020 in “Seminars in Oncology” Sex hormones may affect COVID-19 severity, with men often faring worse, and targeting related pathways could offer treatment options.
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41 citations,
February 2021 in “Cureus” Dutasteride treatment in men with mild to moderate COVID-19 reduced viral shedding, inflammation, and recovery time without serious side effects.
October 2020 in “Проблемы эндокринологии” Men with higher androgen levels may have severe COVID-19 symptoms, but those on antiandrogen therapy are less likely to contract the virus and have milder symptoms. Anti-androgen drugs could potentially treat COVID-19, but more research is needed.
50 citations,
July 2021 in “Nature Communications” The drug enzalutamide may reduce the ability of the virus causing COVID-19 to enter lung cells.
