MASS-ADT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying fundamental mechanisms of skeletal muscle ageing in older men undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: a feasibility study
IRAS ID
353219
Contact name
Carly Welch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 11 days
Research summary
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a well-established therapy for prostate cancer that is effective at preventing cancer progression. ADT is most commonly delivered through medical castration. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or antagonists are used to lower systemic testosterone and oestrogen levels and thereby control the prostate cancer. However, the reduction of these hormones can lead to systemic side-effects including increased fat mass and reduced muscle mass, therefore resulting in sarcopenia and metabolic side-effects.
Sarcopenia describes a reduction in muscle mass and quality that occurs in sufficient magnitude to impair muscle function, independence and mobility. Sarcopenia increases the risk of falls, impairs quality of life, and increases mortality. Resistance exercise is the gold standard treatment for sarcopenia, although this non-pharmacological stimulus has been shown to increase testosterone levels. Despite the potential rise in testosterone levels, resistance exercise improves prostate cancer-specific mortality and function. Thus, additional downstream pathways are likely upregulated during the ageing process in older men undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy.
Ageing is a heterogenous process characterised by cellular senescence, telomere shortening, systemic inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction and other “hallmarks of ageing”. In animal models targeting these processes can extend healthspan and reduce the development of age-related conditions. There are small scale studies in humans trialling the use of drugs that target these ageing processes, known as geroprotectors. However, the fundamental mechanisms underpinning skeletal muscle atrophy and changes in body composition in patients undergoing ADT for prostate cancer are not well understood.
This feasibility study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of an observational cohort study to identify the fundamental mechanisms by which ADT is associated with changes in body composition following ADT in older patients with prostate cancer. By identifying what processes may be involved in muscle atrophy following ADT, we will be able to better understand how to prevent this occurring.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
25/SS/0063
Date of REC Opinion
15 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion