Prostate Cancer Therapy Increases Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Disease, Bone Problems

A recent study conducted by Lockwood Taylor, a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, and colleagues, has found that men being treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for their prostate cancer have a greater risk of developing heart and bone problems. According to the American Cancer Society, the treatment is a hormone therapy that lowers a man’s levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. These male hormones are produced mainly in the testicles and encourage the growth of prostate cancer cells, so lowering their levels helps shrink or slow the growth of those cancerous cells. For the study, Taylor and his team reviewed 14 past studies from 1966 to 2008 that looked at the skeletal and cardivascular side effects of ADT as a treatment for prostate cancer. The researchers found that the risk of overall fracture was 23 percent higher for men with prostate cancer being treated with ADT than those not receiving the treatment. They also found that men with prostate cancer being treated with ADT were 17 percent more likely to die from fatal cardiovascular disease than those with prostate cancer that were not getting ADT. Of the 14 previous studies that were reviewed, 2 of the larger studies indicated that patients receiving ADT also had a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Although the study found a significant increase in the risk of developing these side effects for prostate cancer patients taking ADT, Taylor noted that the absolute risks are still very low. Patients on androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer should be monitored for changes in bone density and risk factors for cardiovascular problems by their doctors. If markers of a heart problem do arise, doctors will then be able to provide additional treatments to correct those problems and prevent further damage. Taylor's study supports previous findings related to ADT side effects and may help prevent serious problems for prostate cancer patients receiving the treatment. As with most treatments that come with side effects, a patient and their physician must determine whether or not the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risk of potentially harmful side effects. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 27,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year. If you or a loved one has had a delay in diagnosing cancer and have questions about the quality of the medical care you received please call Silberstein, Awad & Miklos' cancer malpractice attorneys for answers. Together we will continue our fight against FRIVOLOUS DEFENSES and DECEPTIVE DEFENSES. We offer free consultations to clients with Manhattan cancer malpractice, Bronx cancer malpractice, Brooklyn cancer malpractice, Queens cancer malpractice and Long Island cancer malpractice cases.

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