Efficacy of a multi-component exercise programme and nutritional supplementation on musculoskeletal health in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer (IMPACT): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

Effects of a multicomponent resistance-based exercise program with protein, vitamin D and calcium supplementation on cognition in men with prostate cancer treated with ADT: secondary analysis of a 12-month randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this preplanned secondary analysis of a 12-month randomised controlled trial was to investigate the effects of a multicomponent exercise programme combined with daily whey protein, calcium and vitamin D supplementation on cognition in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

DESIGN

12-month, two-arm, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

University clinical exercise centre.

PARTICIPANTS

70 ADT-treated men were randomised to exercise-training plus supplementation (Ex+ Suppl, n=34) or usual care (control, n=36).

INTERVENTION

Men allocated to Ex + Suppl undertook thrice weekly resistance training with weight-bearing exercise training plus daily whey protein (25 g), calcium (1200 mg) and vitamin D (2000 IU) supplementation.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Cognition was assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months via a computerised battery (CogState), Trail-making test, Rey auditory-verbal learning test and Digit span. Data were analysed with linear mixed models and an intention-to-treat and prespecified per-protocol approach (exercise-training: ≥66%, nutritional supplement: ≥80%).

RESULTS

Sixty (86%) men completed the trial (Ex + Suppl, n=31; control, n=29). Five (7.1%) men were classified as having mild cognitive impairment at baseline. Median (IQR) adherence to the exercise and supplement was 56% (37%-82%) and 91% (66%-97%), respectively. Ex + Suppl had no effect on cognition at any time.

CONCLUSIONS

A 12-month multicomponent exercise training and supplementation intervention had no significant effect on cognition in men treated with ADT for prostate cancer compared with usual care. Exercise training adherence below recommended guidelines does not support cognitive health in men treated with ADT for prostate cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12614000317695, registered 25/03/2014) and acknowledged under the Therapeutic Goods Administration Clinical Trial Notification Scheme (CT-2015-CTN-03372-1 v1).

Does Androgen Deprivation for Prostate Cancer Affect Normal Adaptation to Resistance Exercise?

BACKGROUND

Loss of muscle mass and muscle function is a common side effect from androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we explored effects of heavy-load resistance training (RT) on lean body mass and muscle strength changes reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among PCa patients on ADT and in healthy elderly men (HEM), by comparison of results in separate meta-analysis.

METHODS

RCTs were identified through databases and reference lists.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs in PCa patients (n = 449), and nine in HEM (n = 305) were included. The effects of RT in lean body mass change were similar among PCa patients (Standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.7) and HEM (SMD: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.7). It is noteworthy that the within group changes showed different patterns in PCa patients (intervention: 0.2 kg; control: -0.6 kg) and HEM (intervention: 1.2 kg; control: 0.2 kg). The effects of RT on change in muscle strength (measured as 1 RM) were similar between PCa patients and HEM, both for lower body- (PCa: SMD: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.5; HEM: SMD: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.4), and for upper body exercises (PCa: SMD: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3, 2.7; HEM: SMD: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3, 2.6).

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of RT on lean body mass and 1 RM were similar in PCa patients on ADT and HEM, but the mechanism for the intervention effect might differ between groups. It seems that RT counteracts loss of lean body mass during ADT in PCa patients, as opposed to increasing lean body mass in HEM.

Feasibility and Safety of Physical Exercise to Preserve Bone Health in Men With Prostate Cancer Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Men with prostate cancer (PCa) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) experience the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and lean body mass, which can increase their risk of falls and fractures. Physical exercise programs with appropriate components and dosage are suggested to preserve BMD and muscle strength, thereby potentially reducing accidental falls and fractures and associated morbidity and mortality. These benefits can be obtained if exercise programs are feasible and safe and if patient adherence is adequate. This systematic review investigates the feasibility and safety of exercise programs aimed at preventing the risk of accidental falls and fractures and BMD loss in men with PCa undergoing ADT.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched from database inception to June 7, 2021. Randomized controlled trials were included when they analyzed the feasibility and safety of experimental exercise programs targeting bone health in men with PCa receiving ADT. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, assessed their methodological quality, and extracted the data. Exercise feasibility was measured through recruitment, retention, and adherence rates. Exercise safety was measured through the number, type, and severity of adverse events. Furthermore, the components, setting, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise programs were extracted.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included, with a total of 633 participants. Exercise consisted of a combination of aerobic, resistance, and impact-loading exercise or football training. Exercise is feasible in men with PCa undergoing ADT, although football training should be prescribed with caution for safety reasons.

CONCLUSION

Multicomponent exercise programs targeting bone health seem feasible and safe in this population; however, adverse events should be systematically documented according to current guidelines.

IMPACT

The study shows that men with PCa receiving ADT can safely perform exercise programs to preserve bone health and supports that those programs should become part of lifestyle habits.

LAY SUMMARY

Men with PCa who are receiving ADT can safely perform exercise programs to preserve bone health and should make exercise an important part of their lifestyle.

Construction of Sports and Health Data Resources and Transformation of Teachers' Orientation Based on Web Database

In the intelligent era, emerging information technology helps to transform the information society into an intelligent society and the educational system into a new educational ecology. Teachers must change their roles to be competent for future education and teaching as a result of social transformation, technology application, and education development. Simultaneously, figuring out how to sort sports health data and analyze students' physical health information with a low error rate is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Data management skills are an unavoidable requirement of the current state of school physical education. Sports health information management will become easier as computer technology advances and the country places a greater emphasis on computer networks. This paper proposes a Web database-based sports health data management system. This paper can help schools understand the relationship between important factors and indicators that affect students' health in order to guide them in making timely changes to their physical education programs. Provide a reasonable sports health plan based on scientific analysis and evaluation to achieve the goal of improving students' physical quality and reducing workload.

Does androgen deprivation impact associations between cognition and strength, fitness and function in community-dwelling men with prostate cancer? A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether there were differences in associations between cognition with muscle strength, fitness and function in men with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with, and without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and non-PCa controls. A secondary aim was to compare differences in the prevalence of cognitive impairment.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study compared 70 ADT-treated men with PCa aged 50-85 years to non-ADT-treated men (n=52) and non-PCa controls (n=70).

SETTING

University clinical exercise laboratory.

INTERVENTIONS

Nil.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Standardised assessments were conducted for cognition (learning, memory, attention, processing speed and executive function), muscle strength (grip strength and leg press), fitness (400 m walk), gait speed (4 m walk) and dual-tasking mobility (timed-up-and-go with a cognitive task).

RESULTS

ADT-treated men showed stronger associations between fitness and executive function and task switching relative to controls (both: p≤0.03). For both PCa groups (independent of ADT use), poorer dual-task mobility was more strongly associated with decreased psychomotor attention (both: p≤0.027) and global cognitive function (both: p≤0.031) compared with non-PCa controls. The overall prevalence of cognitive impairment was low (4%-13%) and did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of PCa, with or without ADT treatment, did not increase the risk of cognitive impairment relative to non-PCa controls, yet did alter the associations between physical fitness and some measures of functional performance with certain cognitive domains. This highlights the importance of men with PCa maintaining fitness and functional capacity to optimise cognitive health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

This study was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12614000317695).

Skeletal Muscle-Adipose Tissue-Tumor Axis: Molecular Mechanisms Linking Exercise Training in Prostate Cancer

Increased visceral adiposity may influence the development of prostate cancer (PCa) aggressive tumors and cancer mortality. White adipose tissue (WAT), usually referred to as periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT), surrounds the prostatic gland and has emerged as a potential mediator of the tumor microenvironment. Exercise training (ET) induces several adaptations in both skeletal muscle and WAT. Some of these effects are mediated by ET-induced synthesis and secretion of several proteins, known as myo- and adipokines. Together, myokines and adipokines may act in an endocrine-like manner to favor communication between skeletal muscle and WAT, as they may work together to improve whole-body metabolic health. This crosstalk may constitute a potential mechanism by which ET exerts its beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of PCa-related disorders; however, this has not yet been explored. Therefore, we reviewed the current evidence on the effects of skeletal muscle–WAT–tumor crosstalk in PCa, and the potential mediators of this process to provide a better understanding of underlying ET-related mechanisms in cancer.

Musculoskeletal Responses to Exercise plus Nutrition in Men with Prostate Cancer on Androgen Deprivation: A 12-month RCT

PURPOSE

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) has multiple adverse effects on musculoskeletal health. This 12-month randomised controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of multi-component exercise training combined with whey protein, calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD), structure and strength, body composition, muscle strength and physical function in ADT-treated men.

METHODS

Seventy ADT-treated men were randomised to exercise plus supplementation (Ex+Suppl; n=34) or usual care (Control; n=36). Ex+Suppl involved thrice weekly progressive resistance training plus weight-bearing impact exercise with daily multi-nutrient supplementation. Primary outcomes were DXA hip and spine areal BMD. Secondary outcomes included: tibia and radius pQCT volumetric BMD, bone structure and strength; DXA body composition; pQCT muscle and fat cross-sectional area and muscle density; muscle strength and physical function.

RESULTS

Sixty men (86%) completed the study. Mean exercise and supplement adherence were 56% and 77%, respectively. There were no effects of the intervention on bone or body composition outcomes. Ex+Suppl improved leg muscle strength (net difference [95% CI] 14.5% [-0.2, 29.2], P=0.007) and dynamic mobility (four-square-step test time, -9.3% [-17.3, -1.3], P=0.014) relative to controls. Per-protocol analysis of adherent participants (≥66% exercise, ≥80% supplement) showed Ex+Suppl preserved femoral neck aBMD (1.9% [0.1, 3.8], P=0.026) and improved total body lean mass (1.0 kg [-0.23, 2.22], P=0.044) relative to controls.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training combined with multi-nutrient supplementation had limited effect on ameliorating the adverse musculoskeletal consequences of ADT, likely related to the modest intervention adherence.

Physical exercise for bone health in men with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy: a systematic review

Purpose

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a treatment used in men with prostate cancer (PCa); however it is responsible for many adverse effects, with negative impact on quality of life. ADT causes loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and skeletal muscle mass, alteration of body composition, and cognitive function, which altogether lead to increased risk of accidental falls and fractures. This systematic review analyses the effectiveness of physical exercise (PE) in preventing accidental falls and fractures and reducing the loss of BMD in men with PCa receiving ADT.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for articles between database inception and September 2, 2020. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of exercise on bone health in men with PCa receiving ADT.

Results

Nine RCTs were included. Experimental PE consisted in multicomponent programmes that involved aerobic, resistance, impact-loading exercise, and football training. None of the RCTs investigated the risk of accidental falls and fractures, while two trials reported beneficial effects of PE on lumbar spine, hip, and femoral shaft BMD. No further significant difference was detected in the outcomes investigated.

Conclusion

Evidence of the effectiveness of PE to prevent the risk of accidental falls and fractures and BMD loss is lacking. Nevertheless, clinical guidelines recommend PE as a part of the clinical management of men with PCa receiving ADT due to its known numerous health benefits. Research should focus on PE strategies to prevent accidental falls, a clinically relevant outcome in this vulnerable population.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, number CRD 42020158444) on 04/28/2020.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00520-020-05830-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Bone health effects of androgen-deprivation therapy and androgen receptor inhibitors in patients with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Background

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength, resulting in increased fracture risk. Patients with prostate cancer may have multiple risk factors contributing to bone fragility: advanced age, hypogonadism, and long-term use of androgen-deprivation therapy. Despite absence of metastatic disease, patients with nonmetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer receiving newer androgen receptor inhibitors can experience decreased bone mineral density. A systematic approach to bone health care has been hampered by a simplistic view that does not account for heterogeneity among prostate cancer patients or treatments they receive. This review aims to raise awareness in oncology and urology communities regarding the complexity of bone health, and to provide a framework for management strategies for patients with nonmetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer receiving androgen receptor inhibitor treatment.

Methods

We searched peer-reviewed literature on the PubMed database using key words “androgen-deprivation therapy,” “androgen receptor inhibitors,” “bone,” “bone complications,” and “nonmetastatic prostate cancer” from 2000 to present.

Results

We discuss how androgen inhibition affects bone health in patients with nonmetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. We present data from phase 3 trials on the three approved androgen receptor inhibitors with regard to effects on bone. Finally, we present management strategies for maintenance of bone health.

Conclusions

In patients with nonmetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, aging, and antiandrogen therapy contribute to bone fragility. Newer androgen receptor inhibitors were associated with falls or fractures in a small subset of patients. Management guidelines include regular assessment of bone density, nutritional guidance, and use of antiresorptive bone health agents when warranted.

Bone mineral density, structure, distribution and strength in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) improves survival in men with advanced prostate cancer (PCa), but has been associated with compromised skeletal health and increased fracture risk. However, limited previous research has investigated determinants of bone strength beyond DXA-derived areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in this population group. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effects of ADT in men with PCa on BMD, bone structure, estimates of whole bone strength and cortical bone distribution. A total of 70 ADT-treated men, 52 PCa controls and 70 healthy controls had DXA lumbar spine and proximal femur aBMD and pQCT distal (4%) and proximal (66%) tibia and radius cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone structure, strength and cortical bone distribution assessed. Analyses included BMI and/or tibia/radius length as covariates. On average, ADT-treated men had a higher BMI than PCa (P < 0.05) but not healthy controls. ADT-treated men had 7.2-7.8% lower lumbar spine aBMD than PCa (P = 0.037) and healthy controls (P = 0.010), with a trend for a lower total hip aBMD in the ADT-treated men (P = 0.07). At the distal tibia, total bone area was 6.2-7.3% greater in ADT-treated men than both controls (P < 0.01), but total vBMD was 8.4-8.7% lower in ADT-treated men than both controls (P < 0.01). Moreover, bone strength index (BSI) was 10.8% lower relative to healthy controls only (P < 0.05). At the distal radius, ADT-treated men had lower total and trabecular vBMD (10.7-14.8%, P < 0.05) and BSI (23.6-27.5%, P < 0.001) compared to both controls. There were no other differences in bone outcomes at the proximal tibia or radius. In conclusion, ADT treatment for PCa was associated with lower BMD and estimated compressive bone strength, particularly at trabecular skeletal sites (lumbar spine, and distal tibia and radius), compared to controls, but there were no consistent differences in cortical bone structure, distribution or bending strength.

Does Use of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in Men with Prostate Cancer Increase the Risk of Sarcopenia?

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) can compromise muscle health. Hence, we aimed to quantify the prevalence of sarcopenia (i.e., compromised lean mass, muscle strength, and physical function) in ADT-treated (> 12 week) men (n = 70) compared to similarly aged non-ADT-treated PCa (n = 52) and healthy controls (n = 70). Lean and fat mass were quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength and function were measured using handgrip dynamometry and gait speed, respectively. Sarcopenia was defined as low adjusted appendicular lean mass [ALM; height-adjusted (ALMI), body mass index-adjusted (ALM_BMI) and height and fat mass-adjusted (ALM_HFM)] with weak handgrip strength and/or slow gait speed according to the following criteria: European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People [EWGSOP; both 2010 (EWGSOP1) and 2018 (EWGSOP2)], Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS). Overall the prevalence of sarcopenia was low and did not differ between the three groups. Only two (3.2%) ADT-treated men presented with sarcopenia as per EWGSOP1 and FNIH criteria, whereas no cases were observed using EWGSOP2 and IWGS criteria. The prevalence of low ALM_BMI was greater in ADT-treated men (32%) compared to PCa (15%; P = 0.037) and healthy controls (7.1%; P < 0.001). Similarly, low ALM_HFM was greater in ADT-treated men (29%) compared to healthy controls only (13%; P = 0.019). There was also a low prevalence of weak muscle strength and slow gait speed (0.0-11%) in all men, with no differences between the groups. Based on these findings, an adiposity-based adjustment of ALM is recommended to quantify risk of adverse outcomes associated with ADT in these men.

The clinical relevance of adiposity when assessing muscle health in men treated with androgen deprivation for prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) may prospectively decrease absolute lean mass (LM) and increase absolute fat mass (FM). Given that estimates of LM by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry may be overestimated in obese people, this study examined the influence of adiposity on muscle health in men treated with ADT for PCa.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study examined the influence of adiposity on total and appendicular LM (ALM), muscle cross-sectional (CSA), and muscle strength in 70 men treated with ADT [mean (standard deviation) age, 71 (6) years] for PCa compared with age-matched PCa (n = 52) and healthy controls (n = 70). Total body LM, FM and ALM, and 66% tibia and radius muscle CSA were quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography, respectively. ALM was further divided by height (m² ) or body mass index, with muscle CSA expressed as a per cent of total limb CSA. Upper and lower body and back (three-repetition maximum and dynamometry) muscle strength were expressed per kilogram of body weight.

RESULTS

On average, ADT-treated men had 4.4-6.4 kg greater FM compared with controls (P ≤ 0.014) and there were no differences in total body or ALM. Total body per cent LM and ALM_BMI were 3.8-5.4% (P ≤ 0.001) and 7.8-9.4% (P ≤ 0.001) lower, respectively, in ADT-treated men compared with both controls. Percentage muscle CSA at both sites and muscle strength (except leg) were 3.0-6.0% (P ≤ 0.031) and 15-17% (P ≤ 0.010) lower, respectively, in ADT-treated men compared with both controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study indicate muscle mass, size, and strength are compromised in men treated with ADT after accounting for their increased adiposity or body size.

Examining the effects of creatine supplementation in augmenting adaptations to resistance training in patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Creatine supplementation has consistently been demonstrated to augment adaptations in body composition, muscle strength and physical function in a variety of apparently healthy older adults and clinical populations. The effects of creatine supplementation and resistance training in individuals with cancer have yet to be investigated. This study aims to examine the effects of creatine supplementation in conjunction with resistance training on body composition, muscle strength and physical function in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to examine the effects of creatine supplementation in addition to resistance training in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy. Both supplement and placebo groups will receive a 12-week supervised exercise programme comprising resistance training undertaken three times per week. The primary endpoint (fat-free mass) and secondary endpoints (fat mass, per cent body fat, physical fitness, quality of life and blood biomarkers) will be assessed at baseline and immediately following the intervention.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Human Research Ethics Committee of Edith Cowan University approved this study (ID: 22243 FAIRMAN). If the results of this trial demonstrate that creatine supplementation can augment beneficial adaptations of body composition, physical function and/or psychosocial outcomes to resistance training, this study will provide effect sizes that will inform the design of subsequent definitive randomised controlled trials. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at various national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12619000099123.

Cross-sectional study of patient-reported fatigue, physical activity and cardiovascular status in men after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

Purpose

Patient-reported fatigue after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has not been characterised to date. Fatigue after other prostate cancer (PCa) treatments is known to impact on patient-reported quality of life. The aim of this study was to characterise fatigue, physical activity levels and cardiovascular status post-RARP.

Methods

Between October 2016 and March 2017, men post-RARP or on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were invited into the study. Participants were asked to complete the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and Stage of Change and Scottish Physical Activity Questionnaires (SPAQ) over a 2-week period. Outcome measures were patient-reported fatigue, physical activity levels and the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease (Q-Risk). Data were analysed in SPSS.

Results

96/117 (82%) men approached consented to participate; of these, 62/96 (65%) returned complete questionnaire data (RARP n = 42, ADT n = 20). All men reported fatigue with 9/42 (21%) post-RARP reporting clinically significant fatigue. Physical activity did not correlate with fatigue. On average, both groups were overweight (BMI 27.0 ± 3.9 kg/m² and 27.8 ± 12.3 kg/m² for RARP and ADT, respectively) and the post-RARP group had an 18.1% ± 7.4% Q-Risk2 score.

Conclusions

A proportion of men is at increased risk of cardiovascular disease within 10 years post-RARP and have substantial levels of fatigue; therefore, clinicians should consider including these factors when counselling patients about RARP. Additionally, men post-RARP did not meet the recommended guidelines for resistance-based exercise. Future research is needed to establish whether interventions including resistance-based exercise can improve health and fatigue levels in this population.

Understanding sex differences in the regulation of cancer-induced muscle wasting

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We highlight evidence for sexual dimorphism in preclinical and clinical studies investigating the cause and treatment of cancer cachexia.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cancer cachexia is unintended bodyweight loss occurring with cancer, and skeletal muscle wasting is a critical predictor of negative outcomes in the cancer patient. Skeletal muscle exhibits sexual dimorphism in fiber type, function, and regeneration capacity. Sex differences have been implicated in skeletal muscle metabolism, mitochondrial function, immune response to injury, and myogenic stem cell regulation. All of these processes have the potential to be involved in cancer-induced muscle wasting. Unfortunately, the vast majority of published studies examining cancer cachexia in preclinical models or cancer patients either have not accounted for sex in their design or have exclusively studied males. Preclinical studies have established that ovarian function and estradiol can affect skeletal muscle function, metabolism and mass; ovarian function has also been implicated in the sensitivity of circulating inflammatory cytokines and the progression of cachexia.

SUMMARY

Females and males have unique characteristics that effect skeletal muscle's microenvironment and intrinsic signaling. These differences provide a strong rationale for distinct causes for cancer cachexia development and treatment in males and females.

Nutrition care guidelines for men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: do we have enough evidence?

BACKGROUND

To review the evidence available to support clinical practice guidelines for dietary interventions aimed at mitigating the side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with prostate cancer, and to identify future research priorities.

METHODS

An analytical model was designed to select and interpret evidence for the effect of dietary interventions on ADT side effects. Key terms identified articles that investigated dietary interventions to mitigate ADT side effects among men treated for prostate cancer. Medline, Embase, Proquest, CINAHL, Cochrane databases, and PubMed were searched from inception through June, 2018. Clinical trial registries were also searched for up-to-date study protocols. Articles were not restricted on design. Methodological quality was assessed using the mixed methods appraisal tool.

RESULTS

Sixteen articles met inclusion criteria, each with distinct dietary interventions. Twelve studies used interventions that combined diet with physical activity and/or medication and/or counselling. Four articles examined the effect of diet alone on ADT side effects. Of those, three articles measured changes to participants' dietary intake and influence on ADT side effects. One article showed daily caffeinated beverages improved cancer-related fatigue. Two articles showed no impact of isoflavone supplementation on hot flushes, quality of life, body mass index, or blood lipids. Dietary intake and compliance was poorly reported across all studies limiting knowledge of acceptability and feasibility for dietary interventions. Information on the nutrition care practices and views of clinicians treating men for prostate cancer is limited. No articles measured the impact of diet on long-term ADT side effects. Methodological quality of included papers ranged from weak to strong.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence for dietary interventions to mitigate ADT side effects is limited. Further investigations are warranted to explore the impact of changes in dietary intake on ADT side effects before practice guidelines can be considered.