Improve bone health for prostate cancer with hormone treatment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-producing a primary care-led intervention to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures in men living with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy
IRAS ID
343350
Contact name
Qizhi Huang
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. It is a hormone sensitive cancer. By suppressing male hormones, such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), it can slow down tumour growth. However, ADT can cause bone loss and increased risks of broken bones (fractures), causing severe pain and reduced quality of life to patients.
There are effective ways and guideline recommendations to protect bones during ADT treatment, such as healthy lifestyle and taking bone protective medications. However, bone health is often not discussed with patients. This is likely due to the lack of awareness of bone complications for both patients and clinicians. As a result, many men with increased risks of broken bones are not diagnosed and treated.
The aim of the study is to develop information including tools on how to protect bones and follow guidelines by working together with patients and clinicians.
This project is a qualitative (discussion rather than measurement) study. It will include these main aspects:
1. Discussion and workshops with prostate cancer patients to develop educational resources on bone health to support a healthy lifestyle.
2. Interviews and workshops with primary care clinicians to develop resources and tools to support them to follow guidelines.
3. Bring patients, clinicians and stakeholders together to discuss findings and future research in testing and evaluation of the results.
We will recruit patients and clinicians from general practices and our professional network. We aim to recruit patients including those from socio-economic deprived populations and black men communities.
The project is funded by the Royal College of General Practitioners, sponsored by the University of Sheffield. We hope this study will inform future policy and research areas in reducing fracture risks for prostate cancer patients taking ADT.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0118
Date of REC Opinion
5 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion