Adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy in men with prostate cancer: a focus on metabolic and cardiovascular complications

Asian J Androl. 2012 Mar;14(2):222-5. doi: 10.1038/aja.2011.109. Epub 2012 Feb 20.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men. Prostate being an androgen responsive tissue, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is used in the management of locally advanced (improves survival) and metastatic (improves pain and quality of life) PCa. Over the past two decades, the use of ADT has significantly increased as it is also being used in patients with localized disease and those experiencing biochemical recurrences, though without any evidence of survival advantage. Hypogonadism resulting from ADT is associated with decreased muscle mass and strength, increased fat mass, sexual dysfunction, vasomotor symptoms, decreased quality of life, anemia and bone loss. Insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular disease have recently been added to the list of these complications. As the majority of men with PCa die of conditions other than their primary malignancy, recognition and management of these adverse effects is paramount. Here we review data evaluating metabolic and cardiovascular complications of ADT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Androgen Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Body Composition / drug effects
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metabolic Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists