In a nutshell
The authors determined whether hormone therapy had a negative impact on mental function (cognitive performance) in prostate cancer patients.
Some background
Hormone therapy is a common treatment used in prostate cancer. It targets the male sex hormones involved in prostate cancer, such as testosterone. Some studies have suggested that hormone therapy may have a negative impact on mental function.
Further studies are required to determine whether or not hormone therapy has an impact on mental function.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to determine whether hormone therapy could affect mental function in prostate cancer patients.
230 patients were included in this study. 58 patients had prostate cancer and received hormone therapy. The remaining 172 patients were used as a control group and did not receive hormone therapy. Patients were assessed before or within 21 days of starting hormone therapy. They were also assessed 6 and 12 months after receiving hormone therapy.
Using a recommended rating system, patients who received hormone therapy were 1.71 times more at risk of experiencing impaired mental performance within 6 months compared to the control group. Patients who received hormone therapy were 2.42 times more at risk of experiencing impaired mental performance within 12 months compared to the control group.
Variation found in a gene called GNB3 in prostate cancer patients was associated with increased rates of impaired mental performance over time in the hormone therapy group.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that men who received hormone therapy experienced impaired mental performance at both 6 and 12 months compared to the control group.
The fine print
Larger patient groups are required in order for results to be widely applied.
What’s next?
If you are considering hormone therapy, please consult your doctor for more information on treatment impact and side-effects.
Published By :
Journal of clinical oncology
Date :
May 11, 2015
