In a nutshell
The authors aimed to determine the change in bone density in patients who received luteinizing hormone-releasing agonists (LHRHa, treatments that reduce testosterone production in the body) compared to estradiol patches (patches that deliver the hormone estradiol).
The authors concluded that EPs reduce the loss of bone density and significantly reduce the level of testosterone in the patient.
Some background
Hormone therapy is a common treatment used in prostate cancer. It targets the male sex hormones involved in cancer growth, such as testosterone. There are different types of hormone therapies, including LHRHa.
Estradiol patches are an alternative method used to reduce the hormone levels in patients. These patches may significantly reduce the levels of testosterone in patients without the need for intense hormone therapy. They may also reduce the loss of bone mineral density (BMD, the amount of minerals, such as calcium, in the bones). Loss of bone density is a side effect of hormone therapy that weakens the bones and makes the patient more susceptible to breaks and fractures.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to compare the change in BMD in patients who received LHRHa and estradiol patches.
74 patients took part in this study. Group 1 included 28 patients who received LHRHa treatment. Group 2 included 46 patients who received patches. BMD was measured at the start of the study, after 1 year and after 2 years.
After three months, the testosterone levels in both groups were similar, with 96% of patients in each group having levels less than 1.7nmol/l (castration levels). After 1 year, changes in BMD were similar between group 1 and 2.
After 2 years, a difference in BMD was seen in patients who remained on the assigned treatment. Patients in group 1 experienced a 3% decrease in BMD. This was compared to a 7.9% increase in BMD in group 2.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that patients who received estradiol patches experienced low testosterone levels and improved BMD compared to patients who received LHRHa.
What’s next?
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Dec 17, 2015
