Cardiovascular mortality in patients with prostate cancer exposed to androgen deprivation therapy

Introduction: A relationship between the administration of GnRH agonists and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMC) in patients with prostate cancer has been showed in the third observational study published in April 2014. The association AMC-orchiectomy was not found in any of these studies. Objective: Define risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients treated with GnRH agonist. Their probable underlying pathogenic mechanism in the myocardium and peripheral vascular tree was also analyzed. Evidence acquisition: English articles cited in PubMed were reviewed. No time period is specified. The last search date was 11/30/14. Evidence synthesis: In patients with coronary history of AMC or congestive heart failure, hormonal neoadjuvant therapy increased cardiovascular mortality rates (HR: 1.96, IC 95%: 1.04-3.71; P=.04) as well as cardiovascular-specific mortality rates (AHR: 3.28; IC 95%: 1.01-10.64; P=.048). Two possible mechanisms can be involved: a) direct mechanism through myocardial receptor for GnRH/PKA along with atherogenic plaques; and b) indirect mechanism related with metabolic disturbances. Conclusions: Patients with AMC or congestive heart failure history could present a higher risk of death related to the use of GnRH agonists. In these cases, should carefully consider appropriateness of such treatment. These effects can explained by a direct mechanism on myocardium and peripheral vascular tree and indirect ones related with modified metabolic syndrome. (C) 2014 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.