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Treatment-related osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer

  • Drug-Induced Osteoporosis
  • Published:
Clinical Reviews in Bone and Mineral Metabolism Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Osteoporosis is an important complication of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. ADT by either bilateral orchiectomies or treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist decreases bone mineral density (BMD) and increases the risk of fracture. Prospective data about treatment or prevention of osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer are limited. Supplemental calcium and vitamin D are recommended. Additional therapy may be warranted for men with osteoporosis or fractures. Intravenous pamidronate prevents bone loss in the hip and spine during ADT. Intravenous zoledronic acid not only prevents bone loss but also increases BMD. Alendronate is approved to treatmen with osteoporosis although the efficacy of alendronate or other oral bisphosphonates has not been evaluated during ADT. Additional prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of bisphosphonates and other the rapies on fracture risk and disease-related outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Blossom Street, Cox 640, 02114, Boston, MA

    Maryanne Kazanis BA & Matthew R. Smith MD, PhD

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  1. Maryanne Kazanis BA
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  2. Matthew R. Smith MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Matthew R. Smith MD, PhD.

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Kazanis, M., Smith, M.R. Treatment-related osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer. Clinic Rev Bone Miner Metab 2, 115–122 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1385/BMM:2:2:115

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