Epidemiology of male osteoporosis and prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
In this review, we will discuss the increasing importance of male osteoporosis, risk factors for the disease, its relationship to prostate cancer and androgen deprivation treatment modalities for prostate cancer, and recent trials describing therapeutic intervention.


RESULTS
Osteoporosis has become an increasingly important problem in men's health, accounting for significant morbidity in the aging United States male population. Hypogonadism is a major risk factor. Patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer are at risk for both hypogonadism and osteoporosis. These patients may suffer additional morbidity from decreased bone mineralization, such as skeletal fracture. There is a direct association with fracture and decreased quality of life and increased mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Male osteoporosis is an important clinical entity, particularly in aging men and in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy. No screening recommendations currently exist; however, patients at risk for decreased bone mineralization should be screened and treated to prevent consequent fractures.
Gilbert
Scott M
SM
Department of Urology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 10032, USA. smg56@columbia.edu
McKiernan
James M
JM
D000367:Age Factors; D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000726:Androgen Antagonists