Androgen-deprivation therapy linked to increased fractures, CV death

Androgen-deprivation therapy used in the treatment of prostate cancer was associated with an elevated risk for skeletal fracture, incident diabetes and cardiovascular-related mortality, according to the findings from a meta-analysis.

Researchers searched the PubMed database for studies of skeletal and cardiac outcomes in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen-deprivation therapy. They found eight bone-related and six heart-related studies published from 1966 to 2008.

There was a 23% increased risk for fractures in men who underwent androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer compared with men who did not (95% CI, 1.10-1.38).

There was a 17% elevated risk for CV–related mortality for men who underwent androgen-deprivation therapy (95% CI, 1.07-1.29). In two large studies, there was an increased risk for diabetes, according to the researchers.

“While the absolute risks for fracture and CV mortality are low among men treated with androgen-deprivation therapy, preventive treatments may further reduce the risk for these serious adverse outcomes related to androgen-deprivation therapy,” the researchers said in a press release.

Taylor LG. Cancer. 2009;doi:10.1002/cncr.24283.