Heart, bone problems may follow prostate cancer treatment

Though proven effective, treating prostate cancer with the testosterone-lowering treatment known as androgen deprivation therapy may raise men’s risk for developing bone fractures and fatal cardiovascular disease, a new study suggests.

The likelihood of developing either side effect remains low, the researchers noted. But the study shines fresh light on the question of how best to weigh the potential benefits of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) against the potentially serious complications that can ensue. Men on hormone-lowering therapy may require close monitoring, researchers say.
 
The findings will appear in the June 1 issue of Cancer.