ADT safe with co morbidities ?

This study investigated the risk of heart attacks and diabetes among prostate cancer patients, with and without co morbidities, receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is a commonly used treatment for prostate cancer. Since prostate cancer growth is stimulated by androgen hormones (such as testosterone), ADT inhibits either the production or the effect of these hormones. ADT is known to be associated with several risks such as obesity, loss of sex drive, kidney injury and cardiovascular diseases (conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels). Recent trials have also suggested that some patients, such as those with co morbidities (additional medical conditions), may be more susceptible to heart attacks or diabetes following ADT.

This study reviewed 185,106 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Information regarding co morbidities and ADT was assessed to determine their relationship to the risk of diabetes or heart attacks.

Among men without co morbidities, ADT was associated with only a slightly increased risk of heart attacks, but a 33% increase in the risk of diabetes. Overall, no significant difference was seen in the risk of these conditions between men with or without co morbidities. An increased risk was seen among patients with specific risk factors for heart attacks (such as heart failure, previous heart attacks, high blood pressure or lung disease) or for diabetes (such as obesity). However, this increased risk was not modified with ADT.

This study concluded that although the risk of heart attacks and diabetes may be increased during ADT, this risk is not further increased by specific co morbidities.

This study did not provide any information regarding several important risk factors for heart attacks and diabetes, such as smoking and family history.

Consult with your physician regarding the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases during ADT.