densitometry values were compared with those from 106 age-matched controls (mean age 74.3 years, range 66-90).
RESULTSOf the 174 patients, 73 (42%) were osteoporotic (t score £ -2.5) and 65 (37%) were osteopenic (t score -1 to -2.4). This compares with a 27% incidence of osteoporosis in the control group ( P = 0.022). There were also no significant correlations between prostate specific antigen levels, Gleason score, tumour stage, biochemical markers and the presence or absence of osteoporosis risk factors.
CONCLUSIONPatients with advanced prostate cancer requiring ADT have a high incidence of osteoporosis before treatment. In addition, osteoporosis in these men cannot be predicted from clinical or biochemical values. Therefore, bone densitometry should be used in all patients with advanced cancer requiring ADT, as the results have implications for the choice of cancer therapy and the prophylaxis for osteoporosis.