Treatment thresholds for osteoporosis in men on androgen deprivation therapy: T-score versus FRAX

Male Osteoporosis and Frailty

It is estimated that 50% women and 20% of men over the age of 50 years will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining life. Although, Osteoporosis is generally thought to be a disease affecting females, more than a third of hip fractures occur in males due to reduced bone strength. Along with Osteoporosis, the other pathological process which occurs simultaneously is Sarcopenia. It is defined as age-related atrophy of skeletal muscle mass that reduces muscle strength, function, and quality of life. This chapter discusses the various aspects of the disease process in the males including its classification, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting osteoporosis in prostate cancer patients: A cross-sectional study from China

BACKGROUND

The specific risk factors contributing to the development of osteoporosis and the appropriate timing of treatment in Chinese prostate cancer (PCa) patients remain unclear. Our objective was to develop and validate a nomogram capable of predicting the occurrence of osteoporosis in PCa patients.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study with PCa patients attending the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, collecting data from June 2021 to February 2023. The patients were divided into training and validation sets in a 7:3 ratio. The LASSO regression was used to identify the most relevant predictive variables, and the multivariable logistic regression was used to construct the nomogram. The nomogram's performance was validated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, C-index, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) in both the training and validation sets.

RESULTS

We collected data from a total of 596 patients and then constructed the nomogram using age, body mass index, hemoglobin, vitamin D3, testosterone, and androgen deprivation therapy duration. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.923 in the training set and 0.859 in the validation set. The nomogram showed good consistency in both sets. DCA demonstrated the clinical benefit of the nomogram across various prediction thresholds. Furthermore, a separate nomogram was constructed to predict bone loss in patients undergoing ADT, exhibiting equally favorable diagnostic performance and clinical benefit.

CONCLUSION

This study constructed two reliable nomograms to predict osteoporosis and bone loss, integrating personal health information and PCa-specific treatment data. These nomograms offer an easy and individualized approach to predict the occurrence of osteoporosis and bone loss in PCa patients.

Race and Ethnicity and Fracture Prediction Among Younger Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative Study

Importance

The best approach to identify younger postmenopausal women for osteoporosis screening is uncertain. The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX), which includes self-identified racial and ethnic information, and the Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool (OST), which does not, are risk assessment tools recommended by US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines to identify candidates for bone mineral density (BMD) testing in this age group.

Objective

To compare the ability of FRAX vs OST to discriminate between younger postmenopausal women who do and do not experience incident fracture during a 10-year follow-up in the 4 racial and ethnic groups specified by FRAX.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study of Women's Health Initiative participants included 67 169 women (baseline age range, 50-64 years) with 10 years of follow-up for major osteoporotic fracture (MOF; including hip, clinical spine, forearm, and shoulder fracture) at 40 US clinical centers. Data were collected from October 1993 to December 2008 and analyzed between May 11, 2022, and February 23, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incident MOF and BMD (in a subset of 4607 women) were assessed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for FRAX (without BMD information) and OST was calculated within each racial and ethnic category.

Results

Among the 67 169 participants, mean (SD) age at baseline was 57.8 (4.1) years. A total of 1486 (2.2%) self-identified as Asian, 5927 (8.8%) as Black, 2545 (3.8%) as Hispanic, and 57 211 (85.2%) as White. During follow-up, 5594 women experienced MOF. For discrimination of MOF, AUC values for FRAX were 0.65 (95% CI, 0.58-0.71) for Asian, 0.55 (95% CI, 0.52-0.59) for Black, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.56-0.65) for Hispanic, and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.58-0.59) for White women. The AUC values for OST were 0.62 (95% CI, 0.56-0.69) for Asian, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.50-0.57) for Black, 0.58 (95% CI, 0.54-0.62) for Hispanic, and 0.55 (95% CI, 0.54-0.56) for White women. For discrimination of femoral neck osteoporosis, AUC values were excellent for OST (range, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.65-0.93] to 0.85 [95% CI, 0.74-0.96]), higher for OST than FRAX (range, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.68-0.75] to 0.74 [95% CI, 0.60-0.88]), and similar in each of the 4 racial and ethnic groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that within each racial and ethnic category, the US FRAX and OST have suboptimal performance in discrimination of MOF in younger postmenopausal women. In contrast, for identifying osteoporosis, OST was excellent. The US version of FRAX should not be routinely used to make screening decisions in younger postmenopausal women. Future investigations should improve existing tools or create new approaches to osteoporosis risk assessment for this age group.

Bone Metastases and Health in Prostate Cancer: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Implications

Clinically relevant bone metastases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality for prostate cancer patients. Distinct phenotypes are described: osteoblastic, the more common osteolytic and mixed. A molecular classification has been also proposed. Bone metastases start with the tropism of cancer cells to the bone through different multi-step tumor-host interactions, as described by the "metastatic cascade" model. Understanding these mechanisms, although far from being fully elucidated, could offer several potential targets for prevention and therapy. Moreover, the prognosis of patients is markedly influenced by skeletal-related events. They can be correlated not only with bone metastases, but also with "bad" bone health. There is a close correlation between osteoporosis-a skeletal disorder with decreased bone mass and qualitative alterations-and prostate cancer, in particular when treated with androgen deprivation therapy, a milestone in its treatment. Systemic treatments for prostate cancer, especially with the newest options, have improved the survival and quality of life of patients with respect to skeletal-related events; however, all patients should be evaluated for "bone health" and osteoporotic risk, both in the presence and in the absence of bone metastases. Treatment with bone-targeted therapies should be evaluated even in the absence of bone metastases, as described in special guidelines and according to a multidisciplinary evaluation.

High prevalence of vertebral fractures at initiation of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Purpose

Treatment of Prostate Cancer (PCa) with Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) involves long-term consequences including bone loss and fractures. Our aim was to evaluate the calculated fracture risk and the prevalence of osteoporosis, vertebral fractures (VF) and sarcopenia in men with PCa at initiation of ADT, as ADT will increase fracture risk from that moment onward.

Methods

In this cross-sectional real-world study in men at ADT initiation, fracture risk factors including comorbidities, medication, and 10-year fracture risk (FRAX®) were assessed. Laboratory tests, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and spinal X-rays were performed. Sarcopenia was defined according to EWGSOP2.

Results

In 115 men at ADT initiation, aged 73.3 (±7.6) years, osteoporosis was diagnosed in 4.3 % and osteopenia in 35.7 %. The mean 10-year fracture risk of major osteoporotic fracture was 4.4 % and of hip fracture 1.7 %, respectively. At least one VF was present in 32.2 % and 33.9 % of men had osteoporosis and/or a VF assessed on spinal X-rays. In 10.4 % at least one new fracture-risk-associated metabolic bone disorder was diagnosed with laboratory testing. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in only one patient.

Conclusions

Although the prevalence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and 10-years fracture risk is low, there is a high prevalence of vertebral fractures in a third of the men with PCa at the time of ADT initiation. Besides a BMD measurement and fracture risk calculation using FRAX, a systematic vertebral fracture assessment should be considered in all men with PCa at initiation of ADT to provide a reliable baseline classification of VFs to improve identification of true incident VFs during ADT.

Improving bone health in prostate cancer patients starting androgen deprivation therapy: does Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) enhance stratification and targeted management?

Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer can lead to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) questionnaire can be used for risk stratification, and our study has demonstrated that the majority of men (91%) in our cohort commencing ADT for prostate cancer were considered low risk for future osteoporotic fracture.

PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION

Long-term use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients results in increased bone turnover and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Proper assessment of any existing osteoporotic fracture risk is crucial prior to starting treatment. However, this risk assessment is poorly performed in these patients in spite of available validated tools including the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®). The objective of this study was to assess the distribution of osteoporotic fracture risk in a cohort of men commencing ADT for prostate cancer using the FRAX® algorithm.

METHODS

Between July 2020 and May 2022, 200 men filled in the FRAX® questionnaire just before ADT. They were stratified into the high-risk (> 20% probability of a MOF over the next 10 years), intermediate-, and low-risk categories for fragility fractures. We also measured their serum vitamin D and calcium levels.

RESULTS

The average age was 73.5 years (54-89). It took less than 10 min to complete the assessment. Only six patients were at high-risk, were started on bisphosphonates immediately, and referred for a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Twelve patients in the intermediate-risk category were referred for DEXA scans for bone mineral density measurements. A total of 182 patients (91%), were in the low-risk category and given lifestyle advice only. All had normal calcium levels but 134 (67%) patients, mostly in the low-risk category, had reduced vitamin D levels (< 50 nmol/L).

CONCLUSION

The FRAX® questionnaire is simple and immediately identifies patients who are at risk of fragility fractures. Our study has demonstrated that the majority of men (91%) in our cohort commencing ADT for prostate cancer were considered low risk for future osteoporotic fracture. We were surprised that more than half of our patients had low vitamin D levels.

Association of Bone Mineral Density Testing With Risk of Major Osteoporotic Fractures Among Older Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy to Treat Localized or Regional Prostate Cancer

IMPORTANCE

Bone health screening is recommended for patients with prostate cancer who are initiating treatment with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); however, bone mineral density screening rates in the US and their association with fracture prevention are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening rates and their association with fracture rates among older men with prostate cancer initiating treatment with androgen deprivation therapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective nationwide population-based cohort study used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and the Texas Cancer Registry linked with Medicare claims. Participants comprised 54 953 men 66 years or older with prostate cancer diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2015 who initiated treatment with ADT. Data were censored at last enrollment in Medicare and analyzed from January 1 to September 30, 2021.

EXPOSURES

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry screening within 12 months before and 6 months after the first ADT claim.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Frequencies of DXA screening and fracture (any fracture and major osteoporotic fracture) and overall survival were calculated. The association between DXA screening and fracture was evaluated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model with propensity score adjustment.

RESULTS

Among 54 953 men (median age, 74 years; range, 66-99 years) with prostate cancer, 4689 (8.5%) were Hispanic, 6075 (11.1%) were non-Hispanic Black, 41 453 (75.4%) were non-Hispanic White, and 2736 (5.0%) were of other races and/or ethnicities (including 121 [0.2%] who were American Indian or Alaska Native; 1347 [2.5%] who were Asian, Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander; and 1268 [2.3%] who were of unknown race/ethnicity). Only 4362 men (7.9%) received DXA screening. The DXA screening rate increased from 6.8% in 2005 to 8.4% in 2015. Lower screening rates were associated with being single (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.97; P = .01) and non-Hispanic Black (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70-0.91; P < .001), living in small urban areas (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66-0.90; P = .001) and areas with lower educational levels (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67-0.83; P < .001), and receiving nonsteroidal androgens (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39-0.84; P = .004). Overall, 9365 patients (17.5%) developed fractures after initial receipt of ADT. The median time to first fracture was 31 months (IQR, 15-56 months). In the multivariable model with propensity score adjustment, DXA screening was not associated with fracture risk at any site (hazard ratio [HR], 0.96; 95% CI, 0.89-1.04; P = .32) among men without previous fractures before receipt of ADT. However, previous DXA screening was associated with a decreased risk of major fractures (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-1.00; P = .05) after propensity score adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, low DXA screening rates were observed among older men with localized or regional prostate cancer after initiation of treatment with ADT. Despite low rates of screening, evaluation of bone mineral density with a DXA scan was associated with lower risk of major fractures. These findings suggest that DXA screening is important for the prevention of major fractures among older men with prostate cancer and that implementation strategies are needed to adopt bone health screening guidelines in clinical practice.

Prediction of vertebral fractures in cancer patients undergoing hormone deprivation therapies: reliability of who fracture risk assessment tool (frax) and bone mineral density in real-life clinical practice

•

In females under estrogen-deprivation therapies, risk of vertebral fractures was associated with FRAX score for major fractures, with the best therapeutic threshold of 6.5%.

•

In males under androgen-deprivation therapy, risk of vertebral fractures was high when BMD T-score was lower than −1.0 SD or when subjects were treated with abiraterone.

•

High body mass index was an independent risk factor for vertebral fractures in males exposed to androgen-deprivation therapy.

•

In the setting of hormonal deprivation therapies, FRAX and BMD thresholds were lower than those used in post-menopausal osteoporosis and primary male osteoporosis.

Background and Objective

Prediction of fractures in cancer survivors exposed to hormone-deprivation therapies (HDTs) is a challenge since bone loss is rapid and severe, and determinants of fractures in this setting are still largely unknown. In this study we investigated reliability of the WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) and bone mineral density (BMD) to identify subjects developing vertebral fractures during HDTs.

Design

Five-hundred-twenty-seven consecutive subjects (429 females with breast cancer, 98 males with prostate cancer; median age 61 years), under HDTs for at least 6 months, were evaluated for vertebral fractures by a radiological and morphometric approach, in relationship with FRAX score, body mass index (BMI), BMD, age and duration of HDTs.

Results

Vertebral fractures were found in 140 subjects (26.6%) and spine deformity index was significantly associated with duration of HDTs (rho 0.38; p < 0.001). Only in females, vertebral fractures were significantly associated with FRAX score for major fractures [OR 1.08; P < 0.001]. The best cut-off of FRAX score for major fractures, as calculated by receiving operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was 6.35%. In males, however, vertebral fractures were significantly and independently associated with BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m² (OR 17.63; P < 0.001), BMD T-score below −1.0 SD at any skeletal site (OR 7.79; P < 0.001) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) plus abiraterone treatment (OR 11.51; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

FRAX and BMD may be useful for predicting vertebral fractures in subjects undergoing HDTs, but the thresholds seem to be lower than those used in the general population. High BMI is a determinant of vertebral fractures in males under HDT.

Osteoporosis screening using computed tomography for men with prostate cancer: results of a prospective study

We performed a prospective study using both FRAX and computed tomography to screen for osteoporosis in men undergoing radiation for prostate cancer. We found that implementing routine computed tomography (CT)-based screening was feasible in the setting of a prospective study, but the yield of osteoporosis identification was low in this population.

PURPOSE

Men with prostate cancer (PCa) are at increased risk of hip fracture for multiple reasons. Estimation of hip fracture risk with the FRAX tool is currently recommended, but FRAX alone may not identify a portion of men with osteoporosis. We hypothesized that adding bone mineral density (BMD) screening using CT to FRAX is feasible and would identify more men with osteoporosis.

METHODS

Men with PCa scheduled to undergo CT simulation for radiation treatment were enrolled in a single-arm prospective study. The mean attenuation of the mid-L5 vertebral body trabecular bone (L5_CT) was calculated on a single slice using the radiation simulation CT scan. The 10-year risk of hip fracture was calculated using the FRAX tool. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed for men whose L5_CT measurement was less than 130 Hounsfield units (HU).

RESULTS

A total of 98 eligible men were enrolled and underwent FRAX and CT screening. The median 10-year risk of hip fracture was 1.1% and exceeded 3% in 16 cases; the median L5_CT was 162.28 HU (range 55.6-526.1 HU). DXA scan was completed in 15 men who had L5_CT < 130 HU but 10-year calculated hip fracture risk < 3%, 1 of whom was found to have osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing CT-based BMD screening was feasible in the setting of a prospective study for men receiving radiation for PCa, but fewer cases than anticipated of osteoporosis were identified.

Implications of the Fracture Risk Assessment Algorithm for the assessment and improvement of bone health in patients with prostate cancer: A comprehensive review

OBJECTIVE

Maintaining the optimum bone health is one of the important concerns in patients with prostate cancer, but it usually remains neglected. Failure to screen these patients is detrimental to both the length and the quality of life. The estimation of bone mineral density (BMD) and more recently the World Health Organization's fracture risk assessment (FRAX) algorithm in appropriate patients is recommended by several specialty organizations/associations at the time of instituting androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for metastatic and high-risk individuals. It provides a 10-year risk evaluation of hip and major osteoporotic fractures (MOF). Using this web-based new investigating tool, candidates at high risk of fractures can be predicted more accurately according to clinical risk factors (CRF) alone or in combination with the femoral neck BMD. The FRAX application for senile osteoporosis has been studied and reviewed extensively, but no systematic review has ever been conducted for assessing the implication of FRAX in prostate cancer. This review article will give insight about the validity, role, and utility of this investigating tool in clinical practice for fracture risk assessment in these individuals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This systematic review was carried out as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines and Cochrane review principles. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, and the EMBASE electronic database until December 2018 using the medical subject heading terms prostate cancer and FRAX.

RESULTS

A total of nine studies meet the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These studies enrolled a total of 3704 patients (sample size range, 78-1220) of localized, metastatic, castration resistant prostate cancer with or without ADT and/or on photon or radiotherapy. The factors that influenced FRAX included age, ethnicity, baseline BMD, duration of ADT, presence of CRF, and measurement methods (CRF, with/without BMD, computed tomography based). An advanced age and duration of ADT were the most robust risk factors. A 10-year MOF and hip fracture risk estimation was higher when the femoral neck BMD was not incorporated in the FRAX measurement. Despite several well-known strengths of using FRAX in the fracture risk assessment of suitable candidates with prostate cancer, several risk factors such as the mode/duration of ADT, mode of radiotherapy, Vitamin D levels, bone remodeling markers, and recent/recurrent fractures need to be incorporated in the FRAX calculator for improving the predictive ability. In contrast to senile osteoporosis with a longer life expectancy, the fracture risk in patients with prostate cancer need to be measured more frequently and for a shorter time. Therefore, models like Garvan calculator with both 5- and 10-year risk estimates have to be developed for these patients. Additionally, its utilization is of limited value in the presence of recurrent fractures or falls.

CONCLUSION

The FRAX algorithm is beneficial in identifying patients who require early intervention or bone-directed therapy as an early step to decrease skeletal-related events and other morbidity. Several risk factors need to be added for improving the FRAX predictive value. This model is still underutilized in the clinical practice and increasing the awareness among treating physicians will help in optimizing the bone health and the quality of life of this important population subgroup.

Clinical guidelines for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis: summary statements and recommendations from the Italian Society for Orthopaedics and Traumatology

BACKGROUND

The Italian Society for Orthopaedics and Traumatology conceived this guidance-which is primarily addressed to Italian orthopedic surgeons, but should also prove useful to other bone specialists and to general practitioners-in order to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis and its consequences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature reviews by a multidisciplinary team.

RESULTS

The following topics are covered: the role of instrumental, metabolic, and genetic evaluations in the diagnosis of osteoporosis; appraisal of the risk of fracture and thresholds for intervention; general strategies for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis (primary and secondary prevention); the pharmacologic treatment of osteoporosis; the setting and implementation of fracture liaison services for tertiary prevention. Grade A, B, and C recommendations are provided based on the main levels of evidence (1-3). Toolboxes for everyday clinical practice are provided.

CONCLUSIONS

The first up-to-date Italian guidelines for the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures are presented.

Androgen deprivation in prostate cancer and the long-term risk of fracture

OBJECTIVES

To determine the rate of bone mass loss and the risk of fracture induced by androgen deprivation therapy in patients with prostate cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective study in 2 phases. In the first phase, demographic variables, FRAX^®, bone mineral density and clinical fractures were collected, before starting the therapy and up to 1 year after ending the therapy. In the second phase, we conducted a telephone interview a mean of 8.5 years after the start of the study to assess new fractures.

RESULTS

We included 150 patients with a mean age of 67 years and a mean therapy duration of 24 months. Before starting the treatment, 62 patients (41%) showed osteoporosis or low bone mass in the densitometry. After the first year of treatment, the bone mineral density decreased a mean of 3.7% and 2.1% in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively. At the end of the second and third year, the loss rate was lower. During the first phase of the study, 4 patients (2.7%) experienced a fracture. In the telephone interviews with 80 patients (53%), only 1 had experienced a fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

In the patients with prostate cancer and androgen deprivation therapy, greater bone loss occurred during the first year. When the treatment did not exceed 2 years, the absolute risk of fracture was low, and clinical fractures were uncommon in the short and long term.

A systematic review of intervention thresholds based on FRAX : A report prepared for the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group and the International Osteoporosis Foundation

This systematic review identified assessment guidelines for osteoporosis that incorporate FRAX. The rationale for intervention thresholds is given in a minority of papers. Intervention thresholds (fixed or age-dependent) need to be country-specific.

INTRODUCTION

In most assessment guidelines, treatment for osteoporosis is recommended in individuals with prior fragility fractures, especially fractures at spine and hip. However, for those without prior fractures, the intervention thresholds can be derived using different methods. The aim of this report was to undertake a systematic review of the available information on the use of FRAX® in assessment guidelines, in particular the setting of thresholds and their validation.

METHODS

We identified 120 guidelines or academic papers that incorporated FRAX of which 38 provided no clear statement on how the fracture probabilities derived are to be used in decision-making in clinical practice. The remainder recommended a fixed intervention threshold (n = 58), most commonly as a component of more complex guidance (e.g. bone mineral density (BMD) thresholds) or an age-dependent threshold (n = 22). Two guidelines have adopted both age-dependent and fixed thresholds.

RESULTS

Fixed probability thresholds have ranged from 4 to 20 % for a major fracture and 1.3-5 % for hip fracture. More than one half (39) of the 58 publications identified utilised a threshold probability of 20 % for a major osteoporotic fracture, many of which also mention a hip fracture probability of 3 % as an alternative intervention threshold. In nearly all instances, no rationale is provided other than that this was the threshold used by the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA. Where undertaken, fixed probability thresholds have been determined from tests of discrimination (Hong Kong), health economic assessment (USA, Switzerland), to match the prevalence of osteoporosis (China) or to align with pre-existing guidelines or reimbursement criteria (Japan, Poland). Age-dependent intervention thresholds, first developed by the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG), are based on the rationale that if a woman with a prior fragility fracture is eligible for treatment, then, at any given age, a man or woman with the same fracture probability but in the absence of a previous fracture (i.e. at the 'fracture threshold') should also be eligible. Under current NOGG guidelines, based on age-dependent probability thresholds, inequalities in access to therapy arise especially at older ages (≥70 years) depending on the presence or absence of a prior fracture. An alternative threshold using a hybrid model reduces this disparity.

CONCLUSION

The use of FRAX (fixed or age-dependent thresholds) as the gateway to assessment identifies individuals at high risk more effectively than the use of BMD. However, the setting of intervention thresholds needs to be country-specific.

Combining Computed Tomography-Based Bone Density Assessment with FRAX Screening in Men with Prostate Cancer

To investigate the addition of a computed tomography (CT)-based method of osteoporosis screening to FRAX without bone mineral density (BMD) fracture risk assessment in men undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer, we reviewed the records of all patients with localized prostate cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy at our institution between 2001 and 2012. The 10-yr probability of hip fracture was calculated using the FRAX algorithm without BMD. The CT attenuation of the L5 trabecular bone (L5_CT) was assessed by contouring the trabecular bone on a single CT slice at the level of the midvertebral body and by averaging the Hounsfield units (HU) of all included voxels. L5_CT values of 105 and 130 HU were used as screening thresholds. The clinical characteristics of additional patients identified by each L5_CT screening threshold value were compared to patients whose estimated 10-yr risk of hip fracture was 3% or greater by FRAX without BMD. A total of 609 patients treated between 2001 and 2012 had CT scans available for review and complete clinical information allowing for FRAX without BMD risk calculation. Seventy-four (12.2%) patients had an estimated 10-yr risk of hip fracture of 3% or greater. An additional 22 (3.6%) and 71 (11.6%) patients were identified by CT screening when thresholds L5_CT = 105 HU and L5_CT = 130 HU were used, respectively. Compared to the group of patients identified by FRAX without BMD, the additional patients identified by CT screening at each L5_CT threshold level tended to be younger and heavier, and were more likely to be African-American or treated without androgen deprivation therapy. These results suggest that the addition of CT-based screening to FRAX without BMD risk assessment identifies additional men with different underlying clinical characteristics who may be at risk for osteoporosis and may benefit from pharmacological therapy to increase BMD and reduce fracture risk.

Prevalence of osteoporosis in prostate cancer survivors II: a meta-analysis of men not on androgen deprivation therapy

The prevalence of osteoporosis in men with prostate cancer (PCa) on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is well documented, with up to 53% affected by this bone condition. However, there has been less emphasis on the burden of severe bone loss in men with PCa but not undergoing ADT. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to compile evidence from the literature on the bone health of hormone-naïve PCa patients and to compare it to the bone health of men with PCa on ADT. Three databases were searched for the relevant literature published from 1990 until January 2014. The pooled prevalence of osteoporosis, low bone mass, and normal bone mass were estimated for this patient group and compared with similar subgroups from a previously published meta-analysis. The prevalence of osteoporosis varies from 4 to 38% in hormone-naïve PCa patients, and men with more advanced disease have a higher prevalence of osteoporosis. Men with PCa on ADT have poorer bone health than their hormone-naïve counterparts, but the trend toward poorer bone health with metastatic disease remains. In conclusion, it was found that men with PCa experience poor bone health prior to treatment with ADT. These results suggest that all men with PCa should have regular bone health monitoring, whether they commence ADT or not, in order to prevent or indeed minimize the morbidity that accompanies osteoporosis.

FRAX calculator and Garvan nomogram in male osteoporotic population

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was the presentation of osteoporotic fracture prediction in men.

METHODS

Eight-hundred and one men at the mean age of 70.8 ± 9.31 years were examined. The 10-year fracture prediction was established, using the FRAX calculator and Garvan nomogram.

RESULTS

The mean value for any fracture and hip fracture probabilities for FRAX were 7.26 ± 5.4% and 3.68 ± 4.25%, respectively. For Garvan fracture, risk values were 26.44 ± 23.83% and 12.02 ± 18.1%. The mean conformity for any fracture and hip fracture prediction for threshold of 20% (any fracture) and 3% (hip fracture) between Garvan and FRAX values was 55.8% (κ 0.041) and 79.65% (κ 0.599), respectively. ROC analyses showed the following areas under the ROC curves (AUC) for any fractures: FRAX 0.808 and Garvan nomogram 0.843 (p = 0.059). The AUC values for hip fractures were 0.748 for Garvan nomogram and for 0.749 FRAX, and did not differ. On the base of ROC data, the cut-off values with best accuracy to predict fractures for both methods were established. The conformity between methods for thresholds indicated by ROC analysis was 72.5% (κ 0.435) for any and 77.7% (κ 0.543) for hip fractures.

CONCLUSION

The conformities between FRAX and Garvan in regard to hip fracture prediction were acceptable for a threshold of 3% and thresholds derived by ROC analysis, while for any fracture we recommend to use thresholds established by ROC analysis. This may suggest that the use of "universal" cut-off points is probably misleading.

Osteoporosis in men: a review

Osteoporosis and consequent fracture are not limited to postmenopausal women. There is increasing attention being paid to osteoporosis in older men. Men suffer osteoporotic fractures about 10 years later in life than women, but life expectancy is increasing faster in men than women. Thus, men are living long enough to fracture, and when they do the consequences are greater than in women, with men having about twice the 1-year fatality rate after hip fracture, compared to women. Men at high risk for fracture include those men who have already had a fragility fracture, men on oral glucocorticoids or those men being treated for prostate cancer with androgen deprivation therapy. Beyond these high risk men, there are many other risk factors and secondary causes of osteoporosis in men. Evaluation includes careful history and physical examination to reveal potential secondary causes, including many medications, a short list of laboratory tests, and bone mineral density testing by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of spine and hip. Recently, international organizations have advocated a single normative database for interpreting DXA testing in men and women. The consequences of this change need to be determined. There are several choices of therapy for osteoporosis in men, with most fracture reduction estimation based on studies in women.

Performance of FRAX in a cohort of community-dwelling, ambulatory older men: the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study

We evaluated performance of FRAX in older men who participated in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study.

INTRODUCTION

FRAX has been extensively studied in women, but there are few studies of its performance in men.

METHODS

FRAX estimates for 10-year hip fracture and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF; either hip, clinical spine, forearm, or shoulder) were calculated from data obtained from MrOS participants and compared to observed 10-year fracture cumulative incidence calculated using product limit estimate methods, accounting for competing mortality risk.

RESULTS

Five thousand eight hundred ninety-one men were followed for an average of 8.4 years. Without bone mineral density (BMD) in the FRAX model, the mean 10-year predicted fracture probabilities for hip and MOF were 3.5% and 8.9%, respectively; addition of BMD to the calculations reduced these estimates to 2.3% and 7.6%. Using FRAX without BMD, predicted quintile probabilities closely estimated cumulative incidence of hip fracture (range of observed to predicted ratios 0.9-1.1). However, with BMD in the FRAX calculation, observed to predicted hip fracture probabilities were not close to unity and varied markedly across quintiles of predicted probability. For MOF, FRAX without BMD overestimated observed cumulative incidence (range of observed to predicted ratios 0.7-0.9) and addition of BMD did not improve this discrepancy (range of observed to predicted ratios 0.7-1.1). Addition of BMD to the calculation had mixed effects on the discriminatory performance of FRAX, depending on the analysis tool applied.

CONCLUSION

Among this cohort of community-dwelling older men, the FRAX risk calculator without BMD was well calibrated to hip fracture but less well to MOF.

Vertebral fractures and trabecular microstructure in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a treatment for prostate cancer, is associated with bone loss and fractures. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-measured bone mineral density does not assess vertebral fractures (VF). High-resolution micro-magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) assesses bone microarchitecture and provides structural information. To determine if VF identification increased the diagnosis of osteoporosis beyond DXA and if HR-MRI demonstrated skeletal deterioration in men with VF, we cross-sectionally studied 137 men aged ≥ 60 years with nonmetastatic prostate cancer on ADT for ≥ 6 months. Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) by DXA was confirmed with X-rays. HR-MRI of the wrist included bone volume to total volume (BV/TV), surface density (trabecular plates), surface/curve ratio (plates/rods), and erosion index (higher depicts deterioration). VF were found in 37% of men; the majority were unknown. Seven percent of participants were classified as osteoporotic by hip or spine DXA. Thirty-seven percent of men without osteoporosis by DXA had VF identified, suggesting that 90% of patients with clinical osteoporosis would have been misclassified by DXA alone. By ANOVA comparison across VF grades, the BV/TV, surface density, and spine, hip, and wrist DXA were lower, and erosion index was higher in men with moderate-severe VF compared with lesser grades (all p < 0.05). By unadjusted ROC analysis, the addition of HR-MRI to DXA at the spine, hip, and femoral neck added substantially (AUC increased 0.831 to 0.902, p < 0.05) to prediction of moderate-severe vertebral fracture. HR-MRI indices were associated with spine, hip, and wrist DXA measures (p < 0.01). Longer duration of ADT was associated with lower BV/TV, surface density, and surface/curve ratio (p < 0.05). ADT for men with prostate cancer is associated with silent VF. DXA alone leads to misclassifications of osteoporosis, which can be avoided by VF assessment. HR-MRI provides a novel technique to assess deterioration of structural integrity in men with VF and adds micro-structural information.

Male osteoporosis: A review

Osteoporosis in men is a heterogeneous disease that has received little attention. However, one third of worldwide hip fractures occur in the male population. This problem is more prevalent in people over 70 years of age. The etiology can be idiopathic or secondary to hypogonadism, vitamin D deficiency and inadequate calcium intake, hormonal treatments for prostate cancer, use of toxic and every disease or drug use that alters bone metabolism.Risk factors such as a previous history of fragility fracture should be assessed for the diagnosis. However, risk factors in men are very heterogeneous. There are significant differences in the pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis between men and women fundamentally due to the level of evidence in published trials supporting each treatment. New treatments will offer new therapeutic prospects. The goal of this work is a revision of the present status knowledge about male osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis in men: insights for the clinician

Osteoporosis has finally been recognized as an important disorder in men. Men have osteoporotic fractures about 10 years later in life than women. Owing to increasing life expectancy, more fractures are predicted. Important risk factors for men include advancing age, smoking or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, glucocorticoid therapy, and androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Other groups at risk for osteoporosis include those with alcohol abuse, men on enzyme-inducing antiseizure drugs, and those with malabsorption or history of surgery for peptic ulcer disease. History and physical examination will likely reveal secondary causes of osteoporosis. Some, but not all organizations, recommend screening for osteoporosis in men older than age 70. In the USA, The Department of Veterans Affairs recommends case finding rather than screening. Evaluation starts with bone mineral density testing by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the spine, hip, and in some cases forearm. A few laboratory tests can be helpful, including measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Most studies of osteoporosis therapy in men are small; but alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, and teriparatide are FDA-approved to increase bone density in men with osteoporosis. A new potent antiresorptive agent, denosumab, increased bone density dramatically in men on androgen deprivation therapy and is approved for this indication in Europe. Recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis in men should lead to fewer fractures and probably fewer deaths.

Comparison of the proportion of patients potentially treated with an anti-osteoporotic drug using the current criteria of the Belgian national social security and the new suggested FRAX criteria

To assess the number of anti-osteoporosis treatments that would be reimbursed by the Belgian social security if either FRAX or the current criteria were used to determine access to reimbursement. This is a retrospective study based on data from 1,000 women randomly selected from an outpatient hospital specialized in bone metabolism in Belgium. Proportions of potentially refunded treatments between FRAX and current criteria were compared. Out of the 1,000 women files, 890 have sufficient information to assess FRAX. In Belgium, current criteria include a bone mineral density (BMD) T score below -2.5 at the lumbar spine, the femoral neck or the total hip and/or at least a prevalent vertebral fracture. Using these criteria, 167 women (18.8 %) would have access to reimbursement. Using the criteria based on the validated Belgian FRAX tool, only 116 women (13.0 %) would have access to reimbursement, meaning that access to reimbursement based on FRAX criteria would reduce by 30 % the anti-osteoporosis drug expenses covered by the national social security. Interestingly, only 65 women out of the 116 (56.0 %) selected with the FRAX criteria were also selected with the current criteria of the national social security. A substantial proportion of individuals that would potentially receive a reimbursement for their treatment using the FRAX criteria do not have access to any refund for their treatment with the current criteria. Since patients identified with the FRAX tool are those with the highest risk profile for future fractures, reappraisals of treatment reimbursement guidelines are expected in Belgium.

Osteoporosis in men: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to formulate practice guidelines for management of osteoporosis in men.

EVIDENCE

We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to describe the strength of recommendations and evidence quality.

CONSENSUS PROCESS

Consensus was guided by systematic evidence reviews, one in-person meeting, and multiple conference calls and e-mails. Task Force drafts were reviewed successively by The Endocrine Society's Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee and Clinical Affairs Core Committee; representatives of ASBMR, ECTS, ESE, ISCD; and members at large. At each stage, the Task Force received written comments and incorporated needed changes. The reviewed document was approved by The Endocrine Society Council before submission for peer review.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoporosis in men causes significant morbidity and mortality. We recommend testing higher risk men [aged ≥70 and men aged 50-69 who have risk factors (e.g. low body weight, prior fracture as an adult, smoking, etc.)] using central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Laboratory testing should be done to detect contributing causes. Adequate calcium and vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise should be encouraged; smoking and excessive alcohol should be avoided. Pharmacological treatment is recommended for men aged 50 or older who have had spine or hip fractures, those with T-scores of -2.5 or below, and men at high risk of fracture based on low bone mineral density and/or clinical risk factors. Treatment should be monitored with serial dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry testing.

[Prevalence of osteoporosis in male patients with risk factors]

Male osteoporosis is often secondary to other conditions. However the causes of osteoporosis in men are dramatically variable according to the authors. The aim of this observational multicenter study was to assess the main risk factors and causes for male patients with low bone mineral density (LBM).

METHODS

The study was performed in a cohort of rheumatologists who usually prescribe bone mineral density assessment according to HAS criteria (one or more criteria) for bone mineral density (BMD) measurement as defined by: (a): vertebral fracture; (b): non traumatic non vertebral fracture; (c): corticosteroid therapy; (d): hypogonadism or GnRH agonist therapy; (e): endocrine disorders; (f): osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). BMD was measured by dual photon absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine, femoral or total neck sites. Osteoporosis was defined as a T-score value less or equal to 2.5 at one of those region of interest (ROI); LBM as a T-score value between -1 and -2.5.

RESULTS

A total of 431 rheumatologists included 1198 male patients (66.6 ± 12.2 years). According to DXA results, 888 patients (74.1 %) had osteoporosis and 231 (19.3 %) had osteopenia. BMD was considered as normal for 79 patients (6.6 %). A total of 1146 patients (95.7 %) satisfied to the criteria of reimbursement of DXA measurement. Six hundred and eighty-six patients (57.3 %) had suffered from vertebral fractures and 349 patients (29.2 %) from non vertebral fractures. Corticosteroids had been prescribed in 28.7 % of patients and 6.6 % were treated with GnRH agonists for prostate cancer. Hypogonadism was diagnosed in 27 %. Five patients suffered from OI. Other risk factors were detected: alcoholism and smoking in 28.1 % and 42.9 % respectively; rheumatoid arthritis or spondylarthropathy in 12.5 % of patients; chronic pulmonary disorders in 16.1 %. By contrast endocrinopathies were rare (2.5 %). Several risk factors were more frequently encountered for patients with osteoporosis as compared with osteopenia, i.e., smoking, alcohol abuse, low calcium intake, vitamin D insufficiency and maternal history of hip fracture.

CONCLUSION

A diagnosis of osteoporosis (BMD ≤ 2.5) was established by rheumatologists in 74.1 % of patients with clinical risk factors: LBM was found in 93.4 %. In 95.7 % the criteria for reimbursement of DXA measurement were satisfied. DXA is useful in male patients with classical risk factors of osteoporosis to confirm the diagnosis of the disease and start a treatment.

Emerging therapies to prevent skeletal morbidity in men with prostate cancer

Skeletal morbidity is a prominent burden to men with advanced prostate cancer throughout the natural history of the disease. Bone metastases can cause pain and greatly elevate the risk for fractures and other structural complications. Distinct from the problem of metastases, treatment-related osteoporosis and associated fragility fractures are potential complications of androgen-deprivation therapy. Bone-targeted therapies for prostate cancer have therefore been the focus of considerable research and drug development efforts. The osteoclast is a validated therapeutic target in the management of prostate cancer. Osteoclast inhibition with zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or with denosumab (a monoclonal antibody to RANK ligand) reduces risk for skeletal events in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer metastatic to bone. Osteoclast inhibition with any of several bisphosphonates improves bone mineral density, a surrogate for osteoporotic fracture risk. Denosumab and toremifene (a selective estrogen receptor modulator) have each been shown to reduce osteoporotic fracture risk among men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy. Beta-emitting radiopharmaceuticals reduce pain due to metastatic disease. Investigations involving alpha-emitting radium-223, endothelin-A receptor antagonists atrasentan and zibotentan, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase (SRC) inhibitor dasatinib, and tyrosine kinase inhibitor cabozantinib (XL184) are ongoing in clinical trials and are also discussed.

Predictors of fracture risk and bone mineral density in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy

Decrease of bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk is increased in men with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). We looked at possible predictors of decreased BMD and increased fracture risk in men with prostate cancer; most of whom were on ADT. In a retrospective study, we analyzed serum, BMD, and clinical risk factors used in the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool and others in 78 men with prostate cancer with reported height loss. The subjects were divided in two groups: 22 men with and 56 without vertebral fractures. 17 of the 22 men with vertebral fractures on spine X-rays did not know they had a vertebral fracture. Of those 17 men, 9 had not previously qualified for treatment based on preradiograph FRAX score calculated with BMD, and 6 based on FRAX calculated without BMD. Performing spine films increased the predictive ability of FRAX for vertebral fracture. Vertebral fracture was better predicted by FRAX for other osteoporotic fractures than FRAX for hip fractures. The inclusion of BMD in FRAX calculations did not affect the predictive ability of FRAX. The PSA level showed a positive correlation with lumbar spine BMD and accounted for about 9% of spine BMD.

Factors associated with vertebral fractures in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer causes accelerated loss of bone mineral density and is associated with increased fracture risk. We evaluated risk factors associated with vertebral fractures among men enrolled in a fracture prevention trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis included men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and enrolled in a phase III fracture prevention trial. All men were 70 years old or older or had a low bone mineral density (T-score less than -1.5 for the lumbar spine or total hip). We analyzed demographic and laboratory characteristics of men with and those without vertebral fractures at study entry.

RESULTS

Of the 1,244 subjects 162 (13.0%) had a vertebral fracture at baseline. The 2 factors significantly associated with vertebral fractures were white race (p=0.028 compared with nonwhite race) and osteoporosis (p=0.002 for osteoporosis at any site, p=0.053 for osteoporosis at the spine, p=0.002 for osteoporosis at the hip). Lower bone mineral density was also significantly associated with vertebral fractures when analyzed as a continuous variable. Factors not associated with vertebral fractures included age, country of residence, androgen deprivation therapy duration at baseline, androgen deprivation therapy mode, body mass index, testosterone, estradiol, C-telopeptide, bone specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Results were similar in analyses limited to men 70 years old or older.

CONCLUSIONS

White race and low bone mineral density were significantly associated with vertebral fractures in this study of men treated with androgen deprivation for prostate cancer. These observations should inform the assessment and management of fracture risk among such men.

Management of osteoporosis in men on androgen deprivation therapy

Osteoporosis is a common consequence of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. Up to 20% of men on ADT for localized prostate cancer will fracture within 5 years. Fortunately, generally safe and effect therapy is available. Although once considered non-controversial, there is some concern about calcium supplementation, but all studies of osteoporosis therapy in men have included calcium. In most older men, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are likely to be low, although again there is controversy about the ideal level. Many experts believe that all older men, including those on ADT, need to have a level of >30 ng/ml, which is easily accomplished. Bone mineral density (BMD) testing by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is indicated for men on ADT. Interestingly, forearm DXA may be particularly important in ADT men, in addition to spine and hip. Some experts have suggested that men on ADT with a T-score of ≤-1.5 should be treated. Alternatively FRAX or another risk calculator can be used. Oral and intravenous bisphosphonates are FDA approved treatments for men with osteoporosis and increase BMD in men on ADT. Potential off-label agents include raloxifene and toremifene. The latter and denosumab have been shown to increase bone density and decrease vertebral fractures in men on ADT. Raloxifene and denosumab are only FDA approved for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Thus, prevention of fractures can be accomplished in this high risk population.

Application of a fracture risk algorithm to men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Osteoporosis causes morbidity and mortality in men. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends fracture risk assessment with the online WHO/FRAX tool. Although androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer increases fracture risk, there is limited information about which men require preventative drug therapy. We applied the WHO/FRAX tool to men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information was collected from a practice cohort of men treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and included age, height, weight, history of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry results, prior bone targeted therapy and clinical risk factors for fracture. Subjects were evaluated with the WHO/FRAX algorithm (http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/).

RESULTS

A total of 363 men treated with androgen deprivation therapy (median age 72 years) were evaluated. By the FRAX algorithm with clinical information (no dual energy x-ray absorptiometry data) the 3% hip fracture risk threshold for treatment was exceeded by 51.2% of the men (median risk 3.1%). When subjects were grouped by age the treatment threshold was reached by 3.3% of those younger than 70 years, 76.6% of those 70 to 79 years old and by 98.8% of those 80 years old or older. Using FRAX with bone mineral density data in the 93 patients who underwent bone mineral density testing the median 10-year hip fracture risk was 0.9% and the treatment threshold was exceeded by 15% of these subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of men receiving androgen deprivation therapy the prevalence of risk sufficient to necessitate drug therapy was high and was strongly influenced by age. The WHO/FRAX algorithm identifies a greater proportion of men for treatment than the traditional threshold of T score -2.5 or less.