05/01/2026
Estradiol patches may offer a new treatment option for men with locally advanced, non-metastatic prostate cancer.
A study published on March 26 in the New England Journal of Medicine found that estradiol patches controlled the disease almost as well as standard hormone injections called LHRH agonists.
The goal of both treatments is the same: reduce testosterone, since testosterone helps prostate cancer grow.
After at least three years of follow-up, 87% of patients using estradiol patches were alive without metastatic progression, compared with 86% of patients receiving standard injections.
This means the patches showed similar effectiveness, but not better results.
The main difference was in side effects.
Patients using patches had fewer hot flashes, 44% compared with 89% in the injection group. They also had fewer fractures after five years. Some experts believe the patches might also help reduce bone and cardiovascular risks.
However, the patches caused more gynecomastia, which means breast tissue enlargement in men.
So the treatment does not remove side effects. It changes the type of side effects patients may experience.
The trial included 1,360 men in the United Kingdom between 2007 and 2022. They were treated in 75 medical centers as part of the PATCH and STAMPEDE trials.
Estradiol patches may be useful for patients who struggle with severe hot flashes, fragile bones, or cardiovascular risk. They may also help patients who do not tolerate injections well.
Another advantage is convenience. Patients can apply the patches at home, and the cost may be lower than injections.
But there are limits. Patients must apply several patches twice a week, so treatment discipline is important.
The patches may not be ideal for patients with skin problems, poor absorption, or those who need a fast hormone suppression.
This research suggests that estradiol patches could become a credible alternative to standard hormone injections for some prostate cancer patients, but doctors still need to choose carefully based on each patient’s condition.