New discovery of hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer often receive hormone therapy to deal with tumors.

But a new study shows that the therapy could pose a risk to men who had had a heart attack earlier, according to UPI news agency.

"The patient's age, heart risk and recurrence risk should be considered when choosing who to apply hormone therapy in this patient group," said study leader Dr. Nataniel Lester-Coll of the University. Yale (USA) said.

Doctors need to be more careful with prostate cancer patients with a history of heart attack.(PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK).

Because prostate tumors often develop with the presence of hormones such as testosterone, doctors often recommend temporary therapies to reduce hormone levels. But can this approach affect heart health?

To answer these questions, Mr. Lester-Coll and colleagues analyzed data of patients with prostate cancer at moderate and high risk levels. Experts found hormone therapy improved patient survival and quality.

However, with one exception, the above therapy reduces survival and quality of life in men with a history of heart attack, according to the study.

Younger patients with fewer heart risk agents benefit most from hormone therapy, the team said.

Experts say the findings bring "new awareness" about the health care of patients. According to them, doctors need to consider factors, such as cardiovascular medical problems, when making treatment decisions.