Low bone density and high percentage of body fat among men who were treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Men with prostate carcinoma who are treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are reported to be at an increased risk of bone loss and weight changes due to the sudden disruption of hormonal levels. In the current case-control study, the authors examined the prevalence and magnitude of low bone density and obesity among men with prostate carcinoma who were treated with ADT. METHODS: Sixty-two men with prostate carcinoma who had been receiving ADT for 1-5 years were included as cases. Healthy men (n = 47) with a prostate specific antigen level < 4.0 ng/mL were recruited as controls. Body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The average age was 74.3 years for the cases and 72.8 years for the controls. RESULTS: The results of the current study demonstrate that prostate carcinoma cases had significantly higher body weight (86.5 kg vs. 80.6 kg), a higher percentage of body fat (30% vs. 26%), and a lower total body BMD (1.12 mg/cm(2) vs. 1.17mg/ cm(2)) compared with controls (P < 0.05). Cases were more likely to be obese (27.4% vs 43%) and have low BMD at trochanter (32.3% vs. 10.6%), intertrochanter (48.4% vs. 29.8%), and total hip measurements (50.0% vs. 25.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicate that men with prostate carcinoma who are treated with ADT have a significantly increased risk of low bone density and obesity.