The effects of androgen deprivation therapy on lipid metabolism and body composition in Japanese patients with prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In Japan, androgen deprivation therapy is employed as the primary therapy for prostate cancer in more than 50% of patients, which is a percentage larger than that in the USA. The adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy on body composition and lipid profile associated with metabolic syndrome have been reported mainly in Caucasian populations, and few studies have been performed in East Asian populations, including Japanese.

METHODS: This study enrolled 39 Japanese patients who were starting to receive androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Body composition and lipid profiles were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and using blood samples, respectively.

RESULTS: The volume of fat and visceral fat was significantly increased 6 months after the treatment and continued to increase until 12 months. On the other hand, skeletal muscle was significantly decreased during the same period. The serum concentration of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly over the same period.

CONCLUSIONS: Androgen deprivation therapy changed the body composition and lipid profile of men with prostate cancer. It was demonstrated that even Japanese patients with prostate cancer who are treated with androgen deprivation therapy have the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.