Background cardiovascular risk factors in patients of metastatic prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy: A retrospective observational study from a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is indispensable part of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) patients. There is documented association between ADT and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, with variability between the different modes. However, there is dearth of evidence on the background CV risk factors of these group of patients at diagnosis. Aims and Objectives: We envisaged this retrospective observational study in the department of oncology to document the background CV risk factors of MPC patients at diagnosis, to help us better select the available ADTs based on their CV risks. Materials and Methods: Over a period of 2 years, all patients registered for treatment with a diagnosis of MPC, indicated for ADT, and available detailed history and background cardiological evaluation at presentation, were included in the study. As indirect indicators of CV risks, history of smoking, presence and treatment of dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), were documented. As direct indicators of CV risks, presence and treatment of hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), congestive cardiac failure (CCF), ECG, and echocardiography changes suggesting cardiac morbidity were documented and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: Indirect indicators: dyslipidemia, habit of smoking, and T2DM were found in 74%, 29.3%, and 13.3% patients, respectively. Direct indicators: Presence of hypertension, IHD, CCF, abnormalities in ECG, and echocardiography were found in 38.7%, 10.6%, 4%, 28%, and 34.6% patients, respectively. ST-T changes on ECG, low EF, and IHD on echocardiography were seen in 28.5%, 23%, and 26.9%, respectively. Conclusions: MPC patients have a substantial pre-existing CV risk at diagnosis. Our findings warrant a meticulous screening of all MPC patients for CV risk factors, to help in judicious selection of their ADT.