Effects of androgen deprivation therapy on telomere length

Abstract

Objective

Recent evidence suggests that androgens either directly or via aromatisation to oestradiol may regulate telomere length, hence providing a mechanism whereby reproductive steroids are linked to biological aging in men. Using men with prostate cancer initiating androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), we tested the hypothesis that severe sex steroid deprivation would accelerate telomere shortening.

Design

We conducted a secondary analysis of a 2-year prospective controlled study among 65 men with non-metastatic prostate cancer newly commencing adjuvant ADT (n=40) and age- and radiotherapy-matched prostate cancer controls (n=25).

Methods

We measured leukocyte telomere length (LTL) expressed as telomeric/single copy control gene (T/S) ratio at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. Generalised linear models determined the mean adjusted difference (MAD) [95% confidence interval] between groups during follow-up.

Results

Compared to controls over 24 months, men receiving ADT had no change in LTL, MAD for T/S ratio (0.105 [-0.004; 0.213], p=0.235).

Conclusions

Using men with prostate cancer receiving ADT as a model we found no evidence that prolonged and profound sex steroid deprivation is associated with accelerated telomerase shortening Larger studies will be required to confirm, or refute these findings.

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