Autonomic and Renal Contributions to Hypertension with Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Background and Purpose
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men, affecting ~1 out of every 8 American men. However, few men die directly from prostate cancer, thanks largely to widespread screening via prostate specific antigen (PSA) and effective treatments. Because prostate cancer is an androgen-dependent cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a cornerstone of prostate cancer treatments. While ADT is very effective at preventing deaths from prostate cancer, men who undergo ADT as part of their treatment are more likely to develop hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Our goal is not to suggest that prostate cancer patients should avoid ADT, but to determine the mechanisms by which ADT affect future blood pressure status. Understanding these mechanisms will help us design effective strategies to prevent and/or treat hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in men who go through ADT for prostate cancer.
Who Can Participate?
Inclusion Criteria
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Men
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30 years old or older
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Healthy OR men with prostate cancer
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Normal blood pressure (<140/90 mmHg)
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Non-smokers
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BMI <30 kg/m2 (Check yours here)
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Sedentary or recreationally active
Exclusion Criteria
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Chronic kidney disease
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Diabetes
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Other cardiac, kidney, or liver disease
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Tobacco use within the previous 12 months
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Use of exogenous sex hormones (e.g., testosterone) in the previous 12 months
What Can I Expect if I Choose to Participate?
Men with Prostate Cancer
Autonomic function and kidney function (described below) are assessed prior to beginning your ADT treatment and again after 9 weeks of ADT
Healthy Men
You will be randomized to receive either ADT (Lupron Depot + Casodex) or placebo. Autonomic function and kidney function (described below) are assessed prior to and after 9 weeks of ADT or placebo. There is a 50% chance that you will receive ADT and a 50% chance that you will receive the placebo.
