Trial Information

Long Term Changes in Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk in Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer, With Stratification of Treatment Based on Presenting Values

Androgen ablation is the mainstay of treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
However,luteinizing hormone-releasing (LHRH) agonists are associated with accelerated bone
loss, osteoporosis and fractures. An alternative is the non steroidal antiandrogen,
bicalutamide, which acts at the androgen receptor and maintains serum testosterone levels.
Our aim was to assess the effects of these two treatments on bone mineral density (BMD) of
selected groups of patients, based on their BMD at presentation. All patients will undergo
peripheral bone densitometry of the forearm, using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Osteoporotic patients, at high risk of fractures, will be commenced on bicalutamide.
Osteopenic and normal BMD patients will be commenced on LHRH agonists. All osteopenic and
osteoporotic patients will be given calcium and vitamin D supplementation.Patients will
undergo annual bone densitometry scans, and will be seen in the clinic every 3 months to
monitor well-being and PSA levels. Any patient who fails to respond or escapes treatment
with hormone monotherapy will be managed according to the clinical situation by either being
switched to a combination of LHRH and bicalutamide or additional oestrogen therapy.