Traditional hormone therapy usually consists of two types of drugs; GnRH agonists (like Lupron and Zoladex) and antiandrogens (Casodex). Although they both are drugs that manipulate the hormone system their modes of action are different.
GnRH agonists block the production of the male hormone testosterone while the antiandrogen drug blocks the ability of the prostate cancer to absorb any testosterone generated by the body. Antiandrogens do not inhibit the actual production of testosterone!
We are aware that ADT does increase a man’s risk for cardiovascular events and mortality. The question is which of these drugs might be responsible for the increased risk?
A recent retrospective study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.1 has found that the treatment using GnRH agonists, but not antiandrogens, increases risk of having cardiovascular events and mortality.
The study also found that men with prostate cancer treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are at increased risk for cardiovascular events and mortality if they have a recent history of cardiovascular events.
The study also showed that the risk of cardiovascular events is reduced in men with pros