Private MD News

Prostate cancer treatment may result in weight gain

Category: Prostate

Following a positive PSA test, men face many treatment options, each of which come along with their own benefits and drawbacks. For example, a new study shows that the vast majority of men who are treated with androgen deprivation therapy experience significant weight gain in the first year of therapy.

Androgen deprivation therapy works by suppressing testosterone levels, which are known to fuel the growth of prostate cancer. However, it has also been linked to several side effects. The new study, which was conducted by Duke University researchers shows that weight gain should be added to the list.

For the study, the researchers examined the medical records of 132 men who underwent therapy for prostate cancer. They looked at information from before and after treatment. The results showed that 70 percent of patients gained an average of 4.2 kg following androgen deprivation therapy.

Previous studies have shown that this type of treatment increases a man's risk of developing heart disease. When significant weight gain is added to the picture, it may dramatically increase their risk. For those who had a PSA test reveal a low-grade tumor, more conservative treatment strategies, such as active surveillance, may be better options.