Osteoporosis management in prostate cancer patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy

The use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer has increased substantially in recent years, exposing more men to potential treatment complications, including osteoporosis and fractures.

To determine whether men treated with ADT for prostate cancer received osteoporosis screening, prevention, or treatment.

Cross-sectional observational study using a retrospective review of electronic medical records.

One hundred seventy-four patients with prostate cancer on ADT or status-post orchiectomy enrolled in primary care at the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System as of July 2005.

Patient demographics, tumor characteristics (Gleason score, stage, last PSA value, documented bone metastases), history of hip or vertebral fracture, osteoporosis risk factors (number of ADT shots, diabetes, smoking, heavy alcohol use or prescriptions for corticosteroids, thyroid hormone or dilantin). We defined recommended management as performing DXA scans or prescribing bisphosphonates, calcitonin, calcium or vitamin D.

Just 60 of 174 (34%) patients received recommended osteoporosis management based on DXA scans (13%) or treatment with oral or IV bisphosphonates (21%), calcitonin (1%), calcium (16%) or vitamin D (10%). On multivariate analysis, bone metastases, higher last PSA, and younger age at diagnosis were associated with recommended management, whereas Hispanic race/ethnicity was inversely associated.

Most men treated with ADT for prostate cancer did not receive osteoporosis screening, prevention or treatment. Evidence for advanced cancer though not risk factors for osteoporosis or fracture-was associated with receiving osteoporosis management. Further research is needed to identify optimal strategies for screening, prevention, and treatment in this population.