Management of osteoporosis in men on androgen deprivation therapy.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of calcium supplementation in preventing osteoporosis and fractures in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer.
Results Summary
The abstract suggests that calcium supplementation is commonly included in osteoporosis therapy for men on ADT, though its efficacy is somewhat controversial. Studies indicate that combined therapies, including calcium, can increase bone mineral density and reduce fractures in this population.
Population
Older men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
calcium supplementation | no change | osteoporosis therapy | men | - | included | #1 |
oral bisphosphonates | increase | bone mineral density (BMD) | men on ADT | - | increase BMD | #2 |
intravenous bisphosphonates | increase | bone mineral density (BMD) | men on ADT | - | increase BMD | #3 |
toremifene | increase | bone density | men on ADT | - | increase bone density | #4 |
toremifene | decrease | vertebral fractures | men on ADT | - | decrease vertebral fractures | #5 |
denosumab | increase | bone density | men on ADT | - | increase bone density | #6 |
denosumab | decrease | vertebral fractures | men on ADT | - | decrease vertebral fractures | #7 |
Osteoporosis is a common consequence of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. Up to 20% of men on ADT for localized prostate cancer will fracture within 5 years. Fortunately, generally safe and effect therapy is available. Although once considered non-controversial, there is some concern about calcium supplementation, but all studies of osteoporosis therapy in men have included calcium. In most older men, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are likely to be low, although again there is controversy about the ideal level. Many experts believe that all older men, including those on ADT, need to have a level of >30 ng/ml, which is easily accomplished. Bone mineral density (BMD) testing by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is indicated for men on ADT. Interestingly, forearm DXA may be particularly important in ADT men, in addition to spine and hip. Some experts have suggested that men on ADT with a T-score of ≤-1.5 should be treated. Alternatively FRAX or another risk calculator can be used. Oral and intravenous bisphosphonates are FDA approved treatments for men with osteoporosis and increase BMD in men on ADT. Potential off-label agents include raloxifene and toremifene. The latter and denosumab have been shown to increase bone density and decrease vertebral fractures in men on ADT. Raloxifene and denosumab are only FDA approved for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Thus, prevention of fractures can be accomplished in this high risk population.