Transfusion-dependent anemia after initiation of androgen deprivation therapy for metastatic prostate cancer

Urology. 2007 Oct;70(4):811.e5-8. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2007.07.030.

Abstract

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a commonly used treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. A 78-year-old patient with metastatic prostate cancer had transfusion-dependent anemia develop while on ADT. The patient also had hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), with chronic gastrointestinal blood loss. Blood transfusions were required every 3 weeks for 4 months to keep hemoglobin levels above 8 g/dL, despite discontinuation of ADT. The anemia, which had been well managed with iron therapy before ADT, was worsened by the loss of bone marrow-stimulating testosterone effects. The case highlights testosterone's important role in erythrocyte production. Practitioners should monitor hemoglobin levels in patients undergoing ADT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Aged
  • Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Anemia / blood
  • Anemia / chemically induced*
  • Anemia / therapy
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Blood Transfusion*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Hemoglobins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Leuprolide / adverse effects*
  • Leuprolide / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic / complications

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Hemoglobins
  • Leuprolide