Age, body mass index, and serum prostate-specific antigen correlate with bone loss in men with prostate cancer not receiving androgen deprivation therapy

Bone Metastases and Health in Prostate Cancer: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Implications

Clinically relevant bone metastases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality for prostate cancer patients. Distinct phenotypes are described: osteoblastic, the more common osteolytic and mixed. A molecular classification has been also proposed. Bone metastases start with the tropism of cancer cells to the bone through different multi-step tumor-host interactions, as described by the "metastatic cascade" model. Understanding these mechanisms, although far from being fully elucidated, could offer several potential targets for prevention and therapy. Moreover, the prognosis of patients is markedly influenced by skeletal-related events. They can be correlated not only with bone metastases, but also with "bad" bone health. There is a close correlation between osteoporosis-a skeletal disorder with decreased bone mass and qualitative alterations-and prostate cancer, in particular when treated with androgen deprivation therapy, a milestone in its treatment. Systemic treatments for prostate cancer, especially with the newest options, have improved the survival and quality of life of patients with respect to skeletal-related events; however, all patients should be evaluated for "bone health" and osteoporotic risk, both in the presence and in the absence of bone metastases. Treatment with bone-targeted therapies should be evaluated even in the absence of bone metastases, as described in special guidelines and according to a multidisciplinary evaluation.

Management of prostate cancer in older patients

The incidence of prostate cancer among older men has increased in many countries, including Asian countries. However, older patients are ineligible for inclusion in large randomized trials, and the existing guidelines for the management of patients with prostate cancer do not provide specific treatment recommendations for older men. Therefore, generation of evidence for older patients with prostate cancer is a key imperative. The International Society of Geriatric Oncology has produced and updated several guidelines for management of prostate cancer in older men since 2010. Regarding localized prostate cancer, both surgery and radiotherapy are considered as feasible treatment options for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer even in older men, whereas watchful waiting and active surveillance are useful options for a proportion of these patients. With regard to advanced disease, androgen-receptor axis targets and taxane chemotherapy are standard treatment modalities, although dose modification and prevention of adverse events need to be considered. Management strategy for older patients with prostate cancer should take cognizance of not only the chronological age but also psychological and physical condition, socio-economic status and patient preferences. Geriatric assessment and patient-reported health-related quality of life are important tools for assessing health status of older patients with prostate cancer; however, there is a paucity of evidence of the impact of these tools on the clinical outcomes. Personalized management according to the patient's health status and tumour characteristics as well as socio-economic condition may be necessary for treatment of older patients with prostate cancer.

Interaction between leukocyte aldo-keto reductase 1C3 activity, genotypes, biological, lifestyle and clinical features in a prostate cancer cohort from New Zealand

Introduction

Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is known for multiple functions including its catalytic activity towards producing extra-testicular androgen. The present study is towards understanding interaction between biological, lifestyle and genetic impacts of AKR1C3 and their influence on clinical factors in a prostate cancer (PC) cohort from New Zealand (NZ).

Method

Characteristics of 516 PC patients were collected from the Auckland Regional Urology Facility, NZ. These men were genotyped for the AKR1C3 rs12529 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The leukocyte AKR1C3 activity was measured in a sub-cohort. Variability of leukocyte AKR1C3 activity between biological, lifestyle and clinical features as well as correlation between biological and clinical features were assessed with and without genetic stratification.

Results

The leukocyte AKR1C3 activity was associated with age at diagnosis (0.51 vs 0.34 μM coumberol units for >69y vs ≤69y, P = 0.03); and with anatomic stage/prognostic grouping among the AKR1C3 rs12529 CC genotype carriers (0.50 vs 28 μM coumberol units among low- and high-risk groups respectively, P = 0.02). Significant correlation between leukocyte AKR1C3 activity and age at PC diagnosis was also observed (correlation coefficient 0.20 and P = 0.02). Ever- smoking impacted both age and PSA at PC diagnosis among AKR1C3 rs12529 GG and CG genotype carriers respectively. Age at diagnosis significantly correlated with PSA at diagnosis in the main (correlation coefficient 0.29, and P<0.001) and sub-cohorts (correlation coefficient 0.24, and P = 0.01); and those carrying the AKR1C3 rs12529 CG and GG genotypes in both the main (correlation coefficient 0.30, and P<0.001 and correlation coefficient 0.35, and P<0.001 respectively) and sub-cohorts (correlation coefficient 0.43, and P<0.001 and correlation coefficient 0.39, and P = 0.06 respectively); but not with those carrying the CC genotype.

Conclusions

Age dependent PSA thresholds in PC screening could have been valid only in men carrying the AKR1C3 rs12529 CG and GG genotypes in this NZ cohort.

French recommendations for osteoporosis prevention and treatment in patients with prostate cancer treated by androgen deprivation

Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer can be achieved surgically or chemically, notably by prescribing LHRH analogs. Major bone loss occurs rapidly in both cases, due to the decrease in testosterone levels, and can increase the fracture risk. The objective of developing these recommendations was to achieve a practical consensus among various scientific societies, based on a literature review, about osteoporosis prevention and treatment in patients on ADT. The following scientific societies contributed to the work: Société française de rhumatologie (SFR), Groupe de recherche et d'information sur les ostéoporoses (GRIO), Groupe européen d'études des métastases osseuses (GEMO), Association francophone pour les soins de support (AFSOS), Association française d'urologie (AFU), Société française de radiothérapie oncologique (SFRO). Medication prescription and reimbursement modalities in France were taken into account. The recommendations state that a fracture-risk evaluation and interventions targeting risk factors for fractures should be provided to all patients on ADT. Those patients with a history of severe osteoporotic fracture and/or a T-score < -2.5 should receive osteoporosis therapy. Patients whose T-score is between -1.5 and -2.5 should be treated if they exhibit at least two other risk factors among the following: age ≥ 75 years, history of non-severe fracture after 50 years of age, body mass index < 19 kg/m², at least three comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular disease, depression, Parkinson's disease, and dementia), current glucocorticoid therapy, and repeated falls. When the decision is difficult, FRAX^® score determination and an assessment by a bone disease specialist may be helpful. When osteoporosis therapy is not indicated, general measures should be applied, and bone mineral density measured again after 12-24 months. The anti-tumor effects of bisphosphonates and denosumab fall outside the scope of these recommendations.

Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors II: a meta-analysis of men not on androgen deprivation therapy

The prevalence of osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer (PCa) on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is well documented, with up to 53% affected by this bone condition. However, there has been less emphasis on the burden of severe bone loss in men with PCa but not undergoing ADT. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to compile evidence from the literature on the bone health of hormone-naïve PCa patients and to compare it to the bone health of men with PCa on ADT. Three databases were searched for the relevant literature published from 1990 until January 2014. The pooled prevalence of osteoporosis, low bone mass, and normal bone mass were estimated for this patient group and compared with similar subgroups from a previously published meta-analysis. The prevalence of osteoporosis varies from 4 to 38% in hormone-naïve PCa patients, and men with more advanced disease have a higher prevalence of osteoporosis. Men with PCa on ADT have poorer bone health than their hormone-naïve counterparts, but the trend toward poorer bone health with metastatic disease remains. In conclusion, it was found that men with PCa experience poor bone health prior to treatment with ADT. These results suggest that all men with PCa should have regular bone health monitoring, whether they commence ADT or not, in order to prevent or indeed minimize the morbidity that accompanies osteoporosis.

Development and validation of a prognostic index for fracture risk in older men undergoing prostate cancer treatment

OBJECTIVES

Men treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer have an increased risk for fractures. Given uncertainty as to whether specific clinical factors can identify men at increased risk, we sought to develop a prognostic index for risk of fracture in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database to identify men who received ADT or RT after being diagnosed with localized prostate cancer in 2007-2009. Cox proportional hazards models tested the association of potential risk factors with fracture. In a derivation group, hazard ratios were used to assign points for factors independently related to fracture. The prognostic index was then applied to a validation group.

RESULTS

The sample of 5824 men had a median age of 73.0 years; 82.9% were white and 8.6% had a fracture within 2 years of treatment for prostate cancer. The Cox model identified 8 variables (age, race, hormone treatment, Elixhauser score, anxiety, Parkinson's, fall-inducing medications and disability status) independently associated with fracture. In the derivation cohort, 4.3% of the sample experienced a fracture in the low-risk group, 8.9% in the intermediate group, and 19.2% in the high-risk group (C statistic, 0.749). The index was applied to the validation cohort (C statistic, 0.782).

CONCLUSION

The prognostic index can help to identify patients at increased risk for fracture. This underscores the importance of identifying risk factors for fracture, given the substantial variation in fracture risk in men treated with ADT or RT.

High incidence of prostate cancer metastasis in Afro-Brazilian men with low educational levels: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

This study investigated factors related to ethnicity and educational level, their correlation with tumor stage at the time of diagnosis, and their influence on treatment outcomes in patients with prostate cancer.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed the medical records of 1,349 male patients treated for prostatic adenocarcinoma. We collected information about sociodemographic variables, including educational level and self-reported skin color. We also classified the disease according whether it was to more likely to present with metastasis and measured the tumor response to treatment.

RESULTS

Less-educated (<8 years of education) individuals were 4.8 times more likely to develop metastasis than those with more education (>11 years of education; p < 0.001). Similarly, patients with a self-reported black skin color had a 300% increased risk of metastasis at diagnosis (p = 0.001). Distant metastasis was independently correlated with worse outcomes, such that individuals with distant metastasis were 10 times more likely to die than were those without distant metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with self-reported black skin color and <8 years of education were more likely to display advanced disease at the time of diagnosis compared with their counterparts. Only the presence of metastasis was independently associated with mortality or progressive disease.

The relation between age and androgen deprivation therapy use among men in the Medicare population receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

Neoadjuvant and concurrent androgen deprivation therapy (ncADT) is recommended for men with high-risk prostate cancer, but not low-risk cancer or short life expectancy. It is unclear whether the use of ncADT among older men in the community setting is aligned with the potential for clinical benefit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database to assess patterns of ncADT use among men diagnosed with prostate cancer during 2004–2007 who received radiation therapy. Men were stratified according to tumor risk groups and life expectancy. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with ncADT use within each risk group.

RESULTS

There were 10,686 men in the sample (mean age 74.2 years; 83.4% white). The use of ncADT was 80.7%, 54.1%, and 27.8% in the high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups, respectively. Men with a life expectancy<5 years had higher rates of ncADT use than men with a life expectancy≥10 years in all risk groups. Within each risk group, advancing age was associated with higher likelihood of receiving ncADT (odds ratio for men aged 80–84 compared to 67–69=1.93 (95% CI 1.37–2.70); 1.51 (95% CI 1.22–1.87); and 1.71 (95% CI 1.14–2.57) for high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups, respectively).

CONCLUSION

ncADT use is not consistent with guideline recommendations and is more frequent among men who are older, have shorter life expectancy, and are less likely to benefit from therapy.

The role of distal third radius dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and central DXA in evaluating for osteopenia and osteoporosis in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

The authors assessed the use of distal third radius dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) concomitantly with central (hip and lumbar spine) DXA to identify men with osteopenia or osteoporosis receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. Initial classification with central DXA demonstrated 60 (17%) normal, 187 (55%) osteopenic, and 96 (28%) osteoporotic patients. Sixteen of 60 (27%) normal patients were reclassified as osteopenic (14) or osteoporotic (2), and 20 of 187 (11%) osteopenic patients were reclassified as osteoporotic with the combination of central DXA plus distal third radius DXA. The difference in reclassification was statistically significant. The addition of distal third radius to central DXA scanning in men with bone loss associated with ADT identifies a statistically significant number of men being reclassified as having osteopenia or osteoporosis. Combined central and distal third radius DXA scanning should be considered routine in the evaluation of all men suspected of bone loss associated with ADT. This has specific significant clinical relevance because of the large number of men with nonevaluable central DXA studies. Fracture risk prediction and treatment recommendations based on this reclassification will need to be determined by follow-up studies.

Age-related decline in bone density among ethnically diverse older men

We compared rates of BMD decline in older men of diverse ethnic background. The rate of bone loss was statistically equivalent between men of African and Caucasian descent.

INTRODUCTION

Race differences in peak bone mineral density (BMD) are well established, but the magnitude of bone loss among non-white men has not been well characterized. Our objective was to compare and contrast the rates of decline in BMD with aging among older men of different race/ethnic groups.

METHODS

The rate of decline in hip BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR-4500 W) with an average follow-up of 4.6 years in 3,869 Caucasian, 138 African American, 145 Asian, and 334 Afro-Caribbean men aged ≥ 65 years (Mean ages: 73 ± 5, 70 ± 4, 72 ± 5, 71 ± 5 years, respectively).

RESULTS

The annual rate of decline in BMD at the femoral neck was -0.32%, -0.42%, -0.09%, and -0.44%/year for Caucasian, African American, Asian, and Afro-Caribbean men, respectively (p < 0.05 for Caucasian versus Asian). Although men of African ancestry have higher peak BMD than Caucasians, rates of decline in BMD with aging appear to be statistically equivalent in our study. In contrast, Asian men experienced a slower rate of decline in BMD compared with Caucasians and African Americans.

CONCLUSION

More studies are needed to better define the natural history of and factors associated with bone loss among non-white men.

Biochemical markers of bone turnover and clinical outcomes in men with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

Disrupted skeletal homeostasis is common in patients with prostate cancer. Low bone density is common at diagnosis, and fracture risk is further elevated by the effects of androgen-deprivation therapy. Later in the disease course, bone metastases can result in skeletal morbidity. Although prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels can provide important insights into overall disease progression, convenient, noninvasive tools for monitoring skeletal health are lacking. Biochemical markers released into serum and urine as a result of bone turnover might fulfill this unmet need. The objectives of this article are to assess current evidence examining the potential utility of bone turnover markers for monitoring skeletal health, bone disease progression, and response to antiresorptive therapies in the prostate cancer setting.

METHODS

Published articles and abstracts from major oncology or urology congresses pertaining to the use of bone turnover markers to monitor skeletal health and disease progression were identified and assessed for relevance and methodologic stringency.

RESULTS

Several randomized trials and correlative studies support the utility of bone marker level changes to assess disease progression in the metastatic setting, bone health during hormonal therapy, and response to bisphosphonate therapy. The available data support potential associations between levels of the collagen type I telopeptides (NTX and CTX) and the severity of metastatic bone disease as well as outcomes during antiresorptive therapy. Evidence linking bone marker level changes with early diagnosis of skeletal metastases is emerging. Although several markers have shown promising results in correlative studies, results from ongoing prospective trials are needed to establish the role of bone markers in this setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone marker levels reflect ongoing skeletal metabolism and can provide important insights into bone health and response to bisphosphonate therapy in patients with prostate cancer. The data supporting a role for bone markers to monitor skeletal disease progression and response to zoledronic acid therapy are especially strong. Bone marker assessments may complement established diagnostic and monitoring paradigms in prostate cancer.

The use of zoledronic acid in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer with severe osteopenia or osteoporosis

OBJECTIVES

To study the effect of zoledronic acid on patients with pre-existing osteoporosis on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), who are at highest risk for fracture. Zoledronic acid is a potent bisphosphonate that can prevent osteoporosis in patients with nonmetastatic (M0), prostate cancer (CaP) who are initiating ADT. The effect of zoledronic acid on patients with pre-existing osteoporosis on ADT, who are highest risk for fracture, has not been adequately studied.

METHODS

We enrolled 28 patients with M0 CaP on ADT with severe osteopenia or osteoporosis (baseline bone-mineral density (BMD) T score < -2.0) in this open-label, single-arm trial to assess the effect of zoledronic acid on BMD. All patients also received supplemental calcium and vitamin D, and were counseled about lifestyle modifications. Patients received zoledronic acid (4 mg) intravenously every 3 months for 4 treatments. BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan at enrollment, 6 and 12 months. Primary endpoint was percent change in lumbar spine BMD.

RESULTS

This was a high-risk patient population-primarily older Caucasians (mean age, 73 years), former smokers, and moderate users of alcohol. Mean duration of ADT was 2.4 years. Pre-existing osteopenia or osteoporosis was observed in a single site in 9 patients and multiple sites in 19 (68%). After 12 months of zoledronic acid, lumbar spine BMD increased 4.17% (P < .0001), and BMD increased significantly (P < .05) in both hips and the right femoral neck. Seven patients (25%) experienced improved BMD into the nonosteoporotic range (T score > -2.0). Zoledronic acid infusion was well tolerated and without substantial renal toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Zoledronic acid improves BMD in men with M0 CaP on ADT with severe osteopenia or osteoporosis (T scores < 2.0). This novel finding identifies a high-risk patient population that can potentially benefit from bisphosphonate therapy.

Preserving bone health in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: the role of bisphosphonates

Men with prostate cancer initiating androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) may have multiple factors that threaten their skeletal health, including increased fracture risk from bone loss during ADT and the propensity to develop bone metastases, which may lead to skeletal-related events (SREs). Bisphosphonates have utility in oncology for patients with bone metastases to prevent bone loss during hormonal therapy and in the benign setting to treat osteoporosis. These agents have an emerging role in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC). Etidronate, alendronate, pamidronate, and zoledronic acid have all shown efficacy in preventing ADT-related bone loss. Alendronate and zoledronic acid have also been shown to increase bone mineral density vs baseline during ADT. Patients with bone metastases from HSPC who received 4 mg zoledronic acid every 3 or 4 weeks had a low incidence of skeletal complications, although controlled study data have not been reported. Bisphosphonate treatment in men with HSPC may be effective for the prevention of ADT-related bone loss, underscoring the importance of treating early to avoid SREs and potentially delay disease progression to metastatic bone disease.

Risk factors for bone loss with prostate cancer in Korean men not receiving androgen deprivation therapy

PURPOSE

Preexisting bone loss in men with prostate cancer is an important issue due to the accelerated bone loss during androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). In addition, a high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level has been reported to be related to bone metabolism. This study assessed the factors associated with osteoporosis in Korean men with non-metastatic prostate cancer before undergoing ADT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study enrolled patients admitted for a prostate biopsy because of a high PSA or palpable nodule on a digital rectal examination. We divided the patients (n = 172) according to the results of the biopsy: group I, non-metastatic prostate cancer (n = 42) and group II, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH; n = 130). The lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated using quantitative computed tomography. The demographic, health status, lifestyle, body mass index (BMI), serum testosterone concentration, and disease variables in prostate cancer (Gleason score, clinical stage, and PSA) were analyzed prospectively to determine their effect on the BMD.

RESULTS

The estimated mean T-score was higher in group I than in group II (-1.96 +/- 3.35 vs. -2.66 +/- 3.20), but without statistic significance (p = 0.235). The significant factors correlated with BMD in group I were a high serum PSA (Beta = -0.346, p = 0.010) and low BMI (Beta = 0.345, p = 0.014) in the multiple linear regression model. Also old age (r = -0.481, p = 0.001), a high serum PSA (r = -0.571, p < 0.001), low BMI (r = 0.598, p < 0.001), and a high Gleason's score (r = -0.319, p = 0.040) were the factors related to BMD in the correlation. The significant factors correlated with BMD in group II were old age (Beta = -0.324, p = 0.001) and BMI (Beta = 0.143, p = 0.014) in the multiple linear regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer include a low BMI, and elevated serum PSA. Monitoring BMD from the outset of ADT is a logical first step in the clinical strategy to avoid or minimize potential bone-related complications in these patients.

Health-and disease-related biomarkers in aging research

This article focuses on a synthesis of knowledge about healthy aging research in human beings and then synthesized nurse-led research in gerontology and geriatrics that use biomarkers. Healthy aging research has attracted considerable attention in the biomedical and basic sciences within the context of four major areas: (a) genetic variations as an expression of successful or unsuccessful aging; (b) caloric restriction as an intervention to slow the progression of aging; (c) immunological aging; (d) neurobiology of the aging brain. A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify nurse-led geriatric-related biomarker research. Nurse researchers who have chosen to integrate biomarkers as part of their research studies have been working in six focal areas, which are reviewed: health promotion within risk populations, cancer, vascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, caregiving, and complementary therapies. The article provides a discussion of contributions to date, identifying existing gaps and future research opportunities.

Correlates of trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD in men of African ancestry

QCT provides a measure of volumetric BMD (vBMD) and distinguishes trabecular from cortical bone. Few studies have determined the factors related to vBMD in men, especially among men of African heritage. This study evaluated the relationship of anthropometric, medical, and behavioral factors and vBMD in a population-based cohort of men of African ancestry (n = 1901) >or=40 yr of age who had undergone screening for prostate cancer for the first time. Trabecular and cortical vBMD were measured at the radius and tibia by pQCT. Multiple linear regression analysis identified age, height, body weight, cigarette smoking, history of diabetes, fracture, and prostate cancer as the independent correlates of vBMD. However, associations with several variables differed between cortical and trabecular vBMD and between the radius and tibia. Longitudinal studies are needed to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these differential associations that may show new insight into the etiology of trabecular and cortical bone loss in men.

Natural history and correlates of hip BMD loss with aging in men of African ancestry: the Tobago Bone Health Study

Little is known about the magnitude, pattern, and determinants of bone loss with advancing age among men, particularly among those of African descent. We examined the rate of decline in hip BMD and identified factors associated with BMD loss among 1478 Afro-Caribbean men >or=40 yr of age. BMD was measured at baseline and after an average of 4.4 yr by DXA. The rate of decline in femoral neck BMD was 0.29 +/- 0.81%/yr in the total sample (p < 0.0001). However, a U-shaped relationship between advancing age and the rate of decline in BMD was observed. The rate of decline in BMD at the femoral neck was -0.38 +/- 0.77%/yr among men 40-44 yr of age, decelerated to -0.15 +/- 0.81%/yr among men 50-54 yr of age, and then accelerated to -0.52 +/- 0.90%/yr among those 75+ yr of age (all p < 0.003). Men who lost >or=5% of their body weight during follow-up had significantly greater BMD loss than those who remained weight stable or gained weight (p < 0.0001). The relationship between weight loss and BMD loss was more pronounced among men who were older and leaner at study entry (p < 0.03). We also observed a strong impact of advanced prostate cancer and its treatment with androgen deprivation on BMD loss. Men of African ancestry experience substantial BMD loss with advancing age that seems to be comparable to the rate of loss among white men in other studies. Additional studies are needed to better define the natural history and factors underlying bone loss with aging in men of African ancestry.

Bone health in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen-deprivation therapy: the role of bisphosphonates

Androgen-deprivation therapy, a mainstay in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer, is associated with significant bone loss and related complications, such as fracture. Bisphosphonates, osteoclast inhibitors, are effective in preventing skeletal-related events in patients with metastatic prostate cancer and also in preventing bone loss in patients with locally advanced disease. Understanding the management of bone health, including identifying patients at risk, the most appropriate therapy, and monitoring and managing side effects, is critical. This review provides the most recent bone health risk factor and bisphosphonate data available for prostate cancer patients.

Lifestyle factors and duration of androgen deprivation affect bone mineral density of patients with prostate cancer during first year of therapy

OBJECTIVES

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. We sought to examine the impact of ADT and lifestyle variables on BMD in 120 patients with prostate cancer without bone metastases entering a randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients with prostate cancer and without bone metastases who had been treated with ADT for less than 12 months were enrolled in a clinical trial of zoledronic acid versus placebo. BMD measurements of the femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine were obtained before starting the study treatment by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The subjects answered a questionnaire regarding possible osteoporosis risk factors, including dairy product use, caffeinated beverage use, smoking history, alcohol intake, calcium/vitamin D supplementation, thyroid medication, and exercise.

RESULTS

The median duration of ADT was 3 months (range 0 to 12). Osteopenia or osteoporosis (T score of less than -1) was detected in two thirds of the subjects at one or more measured sites. The mean baseline BMD Z scores were femoral neck -0.091 +/- 0.959, total hip 0.122 +/- 1.005, and lumbar spine 0.657 +/- 1.789. On multiple linear regression analysis, the duration of ADT was negatively associated with the Z score at all three sites and the body mass index, calcium/vitamin D supplementation, and alcohol use were positively associated with the Z score.

CONCLUSIONS

BMD loss is a function of the duration of ADT during the first year of therapy. The body mass index, calcium/vitamin D supplementation, and alcohol use were associated with greater BMD, even after controlling for ADT exposure.

Prevalence of Osteoporosis During Long-Term Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Patients with Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To know the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with prostate cancer according to the duration of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

METHODS

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, Ward's triangle, trochanter, and total hip in 390 patients free of bone metastases. Osteoporosis was diagnosed if a T-score of less than 2.5 was detected at any measurement site. A subset of 124 patients were hormone naive at BMD testing, and 112 had undergone ADT for 2 years, 61 for 4 years, 37 for 6 years, 35 for 8 years, and 21 for 10 years or longer.

RESULTS

The osteoporosis rate was 35.4% in hormone-naive patients, 42.9% after 2 years of ADT, 49.2% after 4 years, 59.5% after 6 years, 65.7% after 8 years, and 80.6% after 10 or more years. Conversely, the rate of normal BMD decreased from 19.4% in hormone-naive patients to 17.8% after 2 years of ADT, 16.4% after 4 years, 10.8% after 6 years, 5.7% after 8 years, and 0% after 10 or more years of ADT.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of osteoporosis seemed high in hormone-naive patients with prostate cancer, and it increased to more than 80% after 10 years of ADT. Because of the increased risk of bone fractures in those patients, clinicians should be aware of the impact of ADT on BMD to prevent bone mass loss.

The role of bisphosphonates in preventing skeletal complications of hormonal therapy

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with a significant decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), and continued exposure seems to increase the risk of osteoporotic fracture in men who have prostate cancer treated with this strategy. Men who have prostate cancer may have low BMD before initiation of ADT. Bisphosphonates are pyrophosphate analogs that decrease bone resorption primarily through direct inhibition of osteoclast activity and proliferation. Several bisphosphonates have been evaluated in randomized clinical trials, and the cumulative data show that these medications increase or maintain BMD in men receiving ADT for prostate cancer. The effect on clinical fractures has not been assessed adequately, but bisphosphonates offer an important potential treatment modality to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fracture in this population of men.

Multidisciplinary management of advanced prostate cancer: Changing perspectives on referring patients and enhancing collaboration between oncologists and urologists in clinical trials

Prostate cancer traditionally was managed by monotherapy, and treatment was almost exclusively provided by the urologic surgeon. As ongoing clinical trials in advanced disease identify novel agents or combination therapies with good tolerability and potential survival benefits, multidisciplinary management may offer optimal care for men with high-risk prostate cancer, as it does for women with breast cancer. Patients with high-risk recurrent or metastatic disease should be informed of clinical trials for which they may be eligible.

Epidemiology of male osteoporosis and prostate cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we will discuss the increasing importance of male osteoporosis, risk factors for the disease, its relationship to prostate cancer and androgen deprivation treatment modalities for prostate cancer, and recent trials describing therapeutic intervention.

RECENT FINDINGS

Osteoporosis has become an increasingly important problem in men's health, accounting for significant morbidity in the aging United States male population. Hypogonadism is a major risk factor. Patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer are at risk for both hypogonadism and osteoporosis. These patients may suffer additional morbidity from decreased bone mineralization, such as skeletal fracture. There is a direct association with fracture and decreased quality of life and increased mortality.

SUMMARY

Male osteoporosis is an important clinical entity, particularly in aging men and in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy. No screening recommendations currently exist; however, patients at risk for decreased bone mineralization should be screened and treated to prevent consequent fractures.