Editorial comment

摘要

Editorial Comment: Androgen deprivation therapy has become one of the mainstays of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Although this therapy can have significant benefits for patients, side effects and associated morbidity remain a concern. This study documented an increased rate of bone fractures in men already at high risk for skeletal complications who were subsequently placed on androgen deprivation therapy. The overall incidence of fracture during 12 years of followup was 58%. Those who experienced a fracture had a 1.38-fold increased risk of overall mortality (95% CI 1.34—1.43). These data illustrate the increased risks of skeletal complications in this already vulnerable population. Potential risks and benefits for individual patients should be judiciously considered in the overall context of clinical care. Careful monitoring is important in an attempt to reduce these orthopedic complications in elderly patients with prostate cancer.