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Review
. 2012;17(9):1171-9.
doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0051. Epub 2012 Jul 25.

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a critical review

Mridul Datta  1 , Gary G Schwartz
Affiliations
Review

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a critical review

Mridul Datta et al. Oncologist. 2012.

Abstract

Background: Loss of bone mineral density is an unintended consequence of androgen deprivation therapy in men with prostate cancer. Supplementation with calcium and/or vitamin D in these men seems logical and is advocated by many lay and professional groups.

Methods: We reviewed guidelines for calcium and vitamin D supplementation and the results of clinical trials of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.

Results: Whether supplementation of men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy with calcium and/or vitamin D results in higher bone mineral density than no supplementation has not been tested. The results of 12 clinical trials show that, at the doses commonly recommended, 500-1,000 mg calcium and 200-500 IU vitamin D per day, men undergoing androgen deprivation lose bone mineral density.

Conclusion: The doses of calcium and vitamin D that have been tested are inadequate to prevent loss of bone mineral density in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. In light of evidence that high levels of dietary calcium and calcium supplement use are associated with higher risks for cardiovascular disease and advanced prostate cancer, intervention studies should evaluate the safety as well as the efficacy of calcium and vitamin D supplementation in these men.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures: The authors indicated no financial relationships.

Section Editors: Chris Parker: Amgen, Astellas, Bayer, BNIT, Janssen, Takeda (H); M. Dror Michaelson: None

Reviewer “A”: Novartis (C/A, H, RF)

Reviewer “B”: None

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Percent change in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) within the comparison groups (supplemented with 500–1,000 mg calcium and 200–500 IU vitamin D) reported in different clinical trials.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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