JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Bone microarchitecture and strength in men with prostate cancer with and without prevalent vertebral fractures at the initiation of androgen deprivation therapy

  • 0Department of Internal Medicine, VieCuri Medical Center, Venlo, the Netherlands; NUTRIM Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Bone +

|

September 13, 2025

|

September 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Men with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) show normal bone strength initially. However, prevalent vertebral fractures (VFs) are linked to poorer bone structure in the tibia.

Area Of Science

  • Bone oncology
  • Osteoporosis research
  • Prostate cancer treatment

Background

  • Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) increases fracture risk.
  • Limited data exists on bone density, microarchitecture, and strength at ADT initiation.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for fracture prevention strategies.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess bone microarchitecture and strength in PCa patients at ADT initiation.
  • To compare these parameters with normative data.
  • To investigate the association between vertebral fractures (VFs) and bone microarchitecture/strength.

Main Methods

  • Evaluated 256 PCa men using DXA, spinal X-rays, and HR-pQCT at ADT initiation.
  • Identified VFs morphometrically using Genant's classification.
  • Compared HR-pQCT parameters to normative data (Z-scores) and used regression analysis.

Main Results

  • 33.2% of men had at least one prevalent VF.
  • Overall HR-pQCT Z-scores were comparable to normative data.
  • Prevalent VFs were associated with altered tibial microarchitecture (larger trabecular area, smaller cortical area, lower BMD, reduced thickness).

Conclusions

  • PCa patients have comparable bone microarchitecture and strength to normative data at ADT initiation.
  • Prevalent VFs in PCa patients are linked to impaired tibial bone microarchitecture.
  • This highlights the importance of assessing VFs for targeted bone health interventions.

Keywords:

Related Concept Videos

Bone Disorders 01:29

5.1K

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...

Fractures: Bone Repair 01:27

5.1K

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System 01:20

4.0K

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....