Adverse metabolic consequences of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on Asian patients with prostate cancer: Primary results from the real-life experience of ADT in Asia (READT) study.

BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) use in prostate cancer (PCa) has seen a rising trend. We investigated the relationship between ADT and adverse changes in metabolic parameters in an Asian population.

METHODS: This is an international prospective multicenter single-arm cohort yielded from the real-life experience of ADT in Asia (READT) registry. Consecutive ADT-naïve patients diagnosed of PCa and started on ADT were prospectively recruited from 2016 and analyzed. Baseline patient characteristics, PCa disease status, and metabolic parameters were documented. Patients were followed up at 6-month interval for up to 5 years. Metabolic parameters including body weight, lipid profiles, and glycemic profiles were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS: 589 patients were eligible for analysis. ADT was associated with adverse glycemic profiles, being notable at 6 months upon ADT initiation and persisted beyond 1 year. Comparing to baseline, fasting glucose level and hemoglobin A1c level increased by 4.8% (p < 0.001) and 2.7% (p < 0.001), respectively. Triglycerides level was also elevated by 16.1% at 6th month and by 20.6% at 12th month compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Mean body weight was 1.09 kg above baseline at 18th month (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: ADT was associated with adverse metabolic parameters in terms of glycemic profiles, lipid profiles, and body weight in the Asian population. These changes developed early in the treatment and can persist beyond the first year. Regular monitoring of the biochemical profiles during treatment is paramount in safeguarding the patients' metabolic health.