Nursing implications of androgen deprivation therapy-associated bone loss

Men with locally advanced and nonmetastatic prostate cancer are generally treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to suppress tumor growth. This treatment, however, is associated with decreased bone density and increased fracture risk, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Nurses play a key role in patient education by promoting lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise that can improve bone strength and decrease risk of ADT-associated bone loss. Pharmacologic interventions using bisphosphonates can significantly reduce bone loss and fracture risk in patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT.