androgen deprivation







Prevention and treatment of the adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy

Statistics show that more than one-third of the estimated 2 million prostate cancer survivors in the United States receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This population of mostly older men receiving hormonal therapy as treatment for prostate cancer is medically vulnerable to a variety of treatment-associated adverse effects.

Urologists warn androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) causes loss of libido, vasomotor flushing, anemia, and fatigue. More recently, ADT has been shown to accelerate bone loss, increase fat mass, increase cholesterol and triglycerides, and decrease insulin sensitivity. Consistent with these adverse metabolic effects, ADT has also recently been associated with greater risks for fractures, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

By consequenvce, primary care clinicians and patients should be aware of both potential benefits and harms of ADT. Screening and intervention to prevent treatment-related morbidity should be incorporated into the routine care of prostate cancer survivors. Evidence-based guidelines to prevent fractures, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in prostate cancer survivors represent an important unmet need.

A recent study at Massachusetts General Hospital Lawrence House recommends the adapted use of established practice guidelines designed for the general population.



NOTE: Issues on this site regarding prostate cancer and treatment options, are provided for information only, and are not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Prostate-Report.org does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.





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