Editorial comment

摘要

Editorial Comment: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has long been a mainstay of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, particularly in elderly men. Although it can be quite effective in limiting or delaying progression of disease, ADT is not a completely benign therapy, and a number of potential side effects such as worsening osteopenia or osteoporosis and sexual dysfunction have been identified. This population based observational study examined 185,106 men who underwent ADT for advanced prostate cancer between 1992 and 2007. ADT was identified to be associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction even after controlling for other known risk factors such as history of coronary artery or vascular disease and prior myocardial infarction. In addition, ADT was associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes, which in turn can lead to other negative health outcomes. The findings support the need to administer ADT within the context of other health issues, and targeted use in men with high risk disease and those with metastatic cancer.