Risk of Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiovascular Disease, and Diabetes in Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Men with prostate cancer may be at increased risk for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This article reviews current literature related to potential adverse effects of using ADT for localized prostate cancer. The use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy for prostate cancer in the early 1990s compared to the late 1990s is addressed. Oncology nurses play an important role in educating men about strategies for preventing and reducing side effects of cancer treatment. Therefore, having knowledge regarding the impact of hormone therapy on men's health will be important to prostate cancer survivors.