A prostate cancer treatment which suppresses testosterone production can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, yet this risk is often ignored by doctors.
Researchers in a new study report that androgen suppression therapy (AST) drugs, the main treatment for prostate cancer, can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, and may also make patients more likely to die from such causes. The drugs also increase the likelihood of bone fractures, fatigue, and bone thinning.
The study results showed that out of every 1,000 men who undergo AST for prostate cancer, there will be an additional 360 extra cases of diabetes and 315 more cases of heart disease. Additionally, there were 42 extra cases of strokes and 28 extra heart attack cases.
According to the researchers, it is not clear if the drugs directly cause heart failure in these patients, but there are good explanations for that being the case.
"The concept of incorporating cardiovascular disease management into AST as standard has not yet percolated into clinical practice,” wrote the authors, as quoted by Medical News Today.
They added that there should be more coordination between doctors regarding managing both of these conditions effectively, since the two are often addressed separately.
The research was published in the journal Heart.
