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Androgen deprivation therapy in men with prostate cancer is not associated with COVID-2019 infection

Sabina Davidsson1, Anna Messing Eriksson1, Ruzan Udumyan2

  • 1Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.

The Prostate
|January 20, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients did not reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. Prostate cancer patients were not at higher risk for COVID-19 compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Androgens may influence SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the virus's dependence on androgen-regulated TMPRSS2 for cell entry.
  • Prior studies suggested androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) might lower SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in prostate cancer patients, but findings were inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between ADT and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity in prostate cancer patients.
  • To compare SARS-CoV-2 infection risk between prostate cancer patients and those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study included 655 prostate cancer patients and 240 BPH patients in Sweden.
  • Participants completed questionnaires on COVID-19 symptoms and provided blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody testing.
  • Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between ADT and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.

Main Results:

  • The cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 13.4% for ADT users and 10.4% for non-users.
  • Adjusted analysis revealed no significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 infection risk or symptoms between ADT users and non-users (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.52-1.85).
  • Higher BMI, Type 1 diabetes, and prostate cancer severity (Gleason score 8-10 or PSA >20 µg/l) were associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.

Conclusions:

  • The study findings do not support the hypothesis that ADT reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection risk or severity in prostate cancer patients.
  • Prostate cancer patients did not exhibit a higher risk of COVID-19 compared to men with BPH.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2androgen deprivation therapyprostate cancer

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