Osteoporosis Therapies Like Prolia Improve Bone Health in Prostate Cancer Patients

Decreasing bone mineral density (BMD) is also an undesirable side effect of androgen deprivation (hormonal) therapy (ADT). The therapy is associated with many potential adverse effects, including significant bone loss and increased risk for low trauma or fragility fractures similar to that in persons with primary osteoporosis. A recent review of clinical trial results revealed that patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer receiving ADT can benefit from osteoporosis therapies, known as bisphosphonates e.g. (Fosamax, Boniva), and from Prolia (denosumab), which significantly increase bone mineral density (BMD). The review, entitled “Bone Health and Bone-Targeted Therapies for Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer” was recently published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

 The new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that non-metastatic prostate cancer patients starting or continuing ADT had significantly less BMD loss when they were given bisphosphonates (a class of medicines that slow down or prevent bone loss) and Prolia (the only FDA-approved therapy for cancer treatment-induced bone loss), compared with those receiving a placebo, normal care, or other active treatments.

The review set out to evaluate the effectiveness of drug, supplement, and lifestyle interventions currently employed as measures to prevent fractures, improve BMD, and delay osteoporosis in non-metastatic prostate cancer patients. Bisphosphonates were found to increase BMD over a placebo, but had no effect at preventing fractures among patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer. Prolia, administered subcutaneously every six months in a 60 mg concentration, improved BMD and reduced the incidence of new vertebral fractures, according to the results of one clinical trial.

According to Dr. David Samadi, MD, chairman of urology at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital, “this study should remind all urologists of the gap in regards to bone health care for men with prostate cancer. More testing of bone mineral density both before and during ADT treatment is an important step in identifying those men who may be at risk. One beginning step is to do a risk assessment tool evaluating men with prostate cancer receiving ADT and educating them on the adverse effects of ADT. We also need to be mindful of talking to our patients about their diet and lifestyle making sure they are getting adequate sources of calcium and exercising regularly,” Samadi said.