Cardiovascular effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Jason F Lester,1 Malcolm D Mason1,2 1Velindre Hospital, Whitchurch, 2School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK Abstract: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been the mainstay of treatment for advanced prostate cancer for decades, and has been shown to control disease and improve symptoms. In addition, for men with high-risk localized or locally advanced prostate cancer, short-course ADT in combination with radiotherapy improves survival. There is evidence that ADT increases cardiovascular risk, particularly in men with preexisting cardiovascular disease. This increased risk may apply even with short-course ADT. In an individual patient, the benefits of ADT should be balanced against the risk, and patients who require ADT should have risk factors for cardiovascular disease optimized. There is some evidence to suggest that more contemporary methods of delivering ADT may reduce cardiovascular risk. Keywords: androgen deprivation therapy, testosterone, cardiovascular risk, hypercoagulability, prostate cancer patients, dihydrotestosterone, androgen receptor
Source: Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety Source Type: research