Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: effects on hand function

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Prostate cancer is a common malignancy, often treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) using luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists to reduce testosterone.
• The impact of ADT on physical function, quality of life, and mood in prostate cancer patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of ADT with LH-RH agonists on hand function, quality of life, and mood in prostate cancer patients.
• To compare these outcomes between patients receiving ADT and age-matched healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A study included 20 patients with locally advanced prostate cancer undergoing LH-RH therapy and 20 age-matched healthy controls.
• Evaluated parameters included handgrip strength, manual dexterity (Grooved Pegboard Test), quality of life (15D questionnaire), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory).
• Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were measured.

Main Results:

• Patients on LH-RH therapy exhibited significantly lower serum testosterone, free testosterone, and estradiol levels compared to controls.
• Grip strength and manual dexterity were significantly diminished in the LH-RH group.
• The LH-RH group also reported lower quality of life and higher depression scores.

Conclusions:

• ADT with LH-RH agonists leads to reduced testosterone levels, which are associated with impaired grip strength and dexterity.
• Prostate cancer patients undergoing ADT experience a decline in quality of life and an increase in depressive symptoms.
• Low testosterone levels resulting from ADT negatively affect physical function and psychological well-being.