|
Study shows that prostate cancer increases the risk of bone fracture
May 14, 2008As unlikely as it sounds, scientists at the Garvan Institute for Medical Research have shown that there is a link between prostate cancer and a higher risk of bone fracture.
Analysis of data from Garvan's Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study suggests that men with prostate cancer face a 50% higher risk of fracture, which increases to nearly doubled risk if they are receiving treatment. The results have just been published online in the prestigious international journal Bone.
"This is a controversial area which has been under discussion for at least three years," said Garvan's Associate Professor Tuan Nguyen, who initiated the study after hearing speculation on the concept. "It has taken us about two years to assemble and analyse the data. The results suggest a link between the two diseases, although we still don't understand the mechanisms."
Professor Nguyen and his colleagues have studied 822 men from Dubbo for nearly 20 years. These men were all aged 60 or over in 1989 when the study began. Of the 822 men, 43 subsequently developed prostate cancer. Twenty-two of the men received ADT (androgen deprivation therapy) and 21 did not. Compared to the men without prostate cancer, those with the disease showed a 50% increase in the risk of fracture. For those being treated with ADT, the risk increased approximately twofold.
"The results have important implications in practice for several reasons," said Nguyen. "First, most of the men who developed prostate cancer started out with a higher BMD (bone mineral density) than average. Second, developing prostate cancer clearly increased their risk of fracture. Third, ADT treatment doubled their risk of fracture."
"There are factors at play that we do not yet understand. Obviously the higher BMD of the men with prostate cancer did not protect them against fracture. Exactly what mechanisms are at work are unclear."
"Osteoporosis in men often remains untreated, even after a fracture. It is highly unlikely, therefore, that any of the men at higher risk will be receiving anti-fracture therapy."
"The clear message that comes out of this study is that men with prostate cancer should consider seeking evaluation for osteoporosis, particularly if they are being treated with ADT."
"More and more we are seeing ways in which diseases are connected. You can't isolate osteoporosis from cancer from diabetes and so on. In treating one disease, we must be careful not to increase the risk of another. As we understand these connections, we learn how better to treat the whole person."
Research Australia
Professor Nguyen and his colleagues have studied 822 men from Dubbo for nearly 20 years. These men were all aged 60 or over in 1989 when the study began. Of the 822 men, 43 subsequently developed prostate cancer. Twenty-two of the men received ADT (androgen deprivation therapy) and 21 did not. Compared to the men without prostate cancer, those with the disease showed a 50% increase in the risk of fracture. For those being treated with ADT, the risk increased approximately twofold.
"The results have important implications in practice for several reasons," said Nguyen. "First, most of the men who developed prostate cancer started out with a higher BMD (bone mineral density) than average. Second, developing prostate cancer clearly increased their risk of fracture. Third, ADT treatment doubled their risk of fracture."
"There are factors at play that we do not yet understand. Obviously the higher BMD of the men with prostate cancer did not protect them against fracture. Exactly what mechanisms are at work are unclear."
"Osteoporosis in men often remains untreated, even after a fracture. It is highly unlikely, therefore, that any of the men at higher risk will be receiving anti-fracture therapy."
"The clear message that comes out of this study is that men with prostate cancer should consider seeking evaluation for osteoporosis, particularly if they are being treated with ADT."
"More and more we are seeing ways in which diseases are connected. You can't isolate osteoporosis from cancer from diabetes and so on. In treating one disease, we must be careful not to increase the risk of another. As we understand these connections, we learn how better to treat the whole person."
Research Australia
Prostate Cancer News and Current Prostate Cancer Events RSSElevated biomarkers predict risk for prostate cancer recurrence
A simple blood test screening for a panel of biomarkers can accurately predict whether a patient who has had prostate cancer surgery will have a recurrence or spread of the disease.
Researchers identify promising cancer drug target in prostate tumors
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute report they have blocked the development of prostate tumors in cancer-prone mice by knocking out a molecular unit they describe as a "powerhouse" that drives runaway cell growth.
Certain anticancer agents could be harmful to patients with heart disease
A set of promising new anticancer agents could have unforeseen risks in individuals with heart disease, suggests research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Risk of death after cancer diagnosis; shift in stage of breast cancer diagnosis
Cancer patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) have more advanced cancers at diagnosis, receive less aggressive treatment, and have a higher risk of dying in the five years following cancer diagnosis, according to a new study.
UT Southwestern urologists identify seven biomarkers that may help pinpoint prostate cancer recurrence
A simple blood test may help doctors better predict whether prostate cancer will recur or spread in patients who have undergone surgery for the disease, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found.
Radiation therapy prolongs life in men with recurrent prostate cancer
Men whose tumors recur after prostate cancer surgery are three times more likely to survive their disease long term if they undergo radiotherapy within two years of the recurrence.
OHSU Cancer Institute finds that drug stimulated immune system in prostate cancer
In a multi-site study, Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute researchers have found that a drug called Ipilimumab, also known as MDX-010, works to stimulate the body's own immune system to fight prostate cancer. The drug was found to be effective in study participants with a serious type of prostate cancer - one where the tumor has spread and was resistant to hormonal treatment and, in some cases, also to chemotherapy.
OHSU Cancer Institute researchers find novel chemo drug helps treat prostate cancer
Men with a certain type of prostate cancer have been shown to respond to a new chemotherapy drug, Sagopilone, plus prednisone in an international trial led by Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute researchers.
How advanced prostate cancer becomes resistant to androgen-deprivation therapy
For the past 70 years the treatment of choice for advanced, metastatic prostate cancer has been androgen-deprivation therapy.
Certain form of tomatoes could be key to prostate cancer prevention
New cancer research from the University of Missouri suggests that eating a certain form of tomato product could be the key to unlocking the prostate cancer-fighting potential of the tomato.
More Prostate Cancer News Articles
 | Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer, Second Edition by Patrick C. Walsh, Janet Farrar Worthington |
 | The Vitamin D Cure by James Dowd, Diane Stafford |
 | Prostate Health in 90 Days by Larry Clapp |
 | You Can Beat Prostate Cancer by Robert J. Marckini |
 | A Primer on Prostate Cancer: The Empowered Patient's Guide by Stephen Strum, Donna L. Pogliano |
 | Prostate And Cancer: A Family Guide To Diagnosis, Treatment And Survival (3rd Edition) by Sheldon Marks |
 | The Natural Prostate Cure by Roger Mason |
 | Biopsy Interpretation of the Prostate (Biopsy Interpretation Series) by Jonathan I Epstein, George J Netto |
 | Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer by Patrick C. Walsh, Janet Farrar Worthington |
 | Eat to Beat Prostate Cancer Cookbook by David Ricketts |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |