An increased fat-related inflammation symptom in prostate cancer patients treated with ADT

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the US For many patients, hormone therapy is a treatment option. This type of treatment, also known as androgen deficiency therapy (ADT), reduces the level of testosterone and other androgens in the body. Decreasing androgen levels can slow prostate cancer cells or reduce tumor growth over time. However, patients who receive ADT often experience higher levels of obesity, depression and brain weakness.

Researchers at the Moffitt Cancer Center are investigating whether inflammation in the body, a side effect of ADT, contributes to these symptoms in prostate cancer patients. In a new study published in the journal Cancer, they indicate a specific inflammation symptom associated with increased obesity in this group of patients.

This is the first known study examining the link between inflammation and symptoms of obesity, depression or brain degeneration in prostate cancer patients receiving ADT. Because testosterone inhibition can increase inflammation in the body, we believe that inflammation may also contribute to these symptoms. “

Heather Jim, Ph.D., Associate Author and Co-Director, Health Outcomes & Behavior Program, Moffitt Cancer Center

For the study, the research team evaluated two groups of men: prostate cancer patients starting ADT and a control group of healthy men of the same age. The men were assessed at the beginning of the study and again at six and 12 months. Assessments included muscle weakness, depression and other neuropsychological tests and blood draw. The task was to study blood for circulating inflammatory signals, specifically interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble tumor receptor-2 (sTNF-R2) necrosis factor ) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Although the different groups were not at baseline, researchers noticed a significant increase in symptoms of obesity and depression in ADT patients over the 12 months. They also saw an increase in a single inflammatory symptom, IL-6, in this group of patients.

“Interleukin-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is often associated with sleep disturbance and therefore obesity,” said Aasha Hoogland, Ph.D., lead study author and applied research scientist in the Results & Health Behavior at Moffitt. “Studies have shown that testosterone can eliminate the effects of IL-6, but ADT limits testosterone production in the body, which is why we see higher levels in this patient group. . “

The researchers say further studies are needed to see if interventions, such as anti-inflammatory medications and exercise, can help reduce the symptoms of obesity and depression in ADT patients.