Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer

There is mounting evidence that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer carries significant health risks.

A research team reviewed currently available data on the role of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in the management of early stage, high-risk prostate cancer. Researchers focus the majority of their attention on the value of adjuvant and neoadjuvant ADT in combination with various types of radiation therapy. They note that current clinical practice patterns seem to have been driven by inappropriate extrapolation of existing data and financial incentives.

The research team propose that, in the management of early stage, high-risk patients, ADT should be used selectively and limited to settings in which a clear patient benefit can be documented. They also emphasize the idea that cardiac risk factors should be carefully assessed before initiating ADT, that modifiable cardiac risk factors should be addressed pre-treatment, and that special attention should be paid to patients’ global health status. They point out that “harming patients in the pursuit of improving cure rates and other less noble causes” should not be an acceptable medical objective.