Should men on long-term androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer be screened and monitored for osteoporosis?
Androgen-deprivation therapy is the main long-term treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer. A side effect of this therapy is secondary osteoporosis with associated reduction in bone mineral density, which increases the risk of fragility fractures and reduces patients’ quality of life. Screening and monitoring for osteoporosis in this patient group is variable, and can result in delayed prevention and treatment. This article reviews the literature on screening and monitoring for osteoporosis to consider the need for implementation of local guidelines for this patient group. It recommends implementation of screening and monitoring guidelines as part of clinical practice and holistic needs assessment, as there are clear benefits for patients, their families and NHS resources.