Management of decreased bone mineral density in men starting androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

To determine whether clinicians discuss bone-specific side-effects with patients on androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, or prescribe lifestyle and pharmacological interventions for low bone mineral density (BMD), as decreased BMD is a common side-effect of ADT, leading to increased risk of fracture. Sixty-six men (mean age 70.6 years) with non-metastatic prostate cancer and starting continuous ADT were enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study. BMD was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline. Patients were interviewed to obtain their medical histories, and charts were reviewed to determine whether clinicians documented potential bone side-effects in clinic notes, and made lifestyle and/or medication recommendations. Both were done at the start of ADT, and 3 and 6 months later. Patients were classified based on DXA T-score as having normal BMD, as osteopenic, or osteoporotic. At baseline, 53% of patients had osteopenia and 5% had osteoporosis. Within 6 months of starting ADT, general side-effects and bone-specific side-effects of ADT were documented as being discussed with 26% and 15%, respectively. Clinicians recommended lifestyle interventions to 11% of patients. Pharmacological interventions (calcium, vitamin D, and/or bisphosphonates) were recommended to 18% of all patients within 6 months of starting ADT, and to 26% and 67% of osteopenic and osteoporotic patients, respectively. A minority of patients is being informed of bone-specific side-effects of ADT. Lifestyle and drug interventions to prevent declines in BMD were recommended uncommonly. Practices around bone health for men starting ADT are suboptimal.