Transfusion-Dependent Anemia After Initiation of Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Kelly K. Curtis, Rajiv K. Pruthi, Rafael Fonseca, Michael K. Gornet

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a commonly used treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. A 78-year-old patient with metastatic prostate cancer had transfusion-dependent anemia develop while on ADT. The patient also had hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), with chronic gastrointestinal blood loss. Blood transfusions were required every 3 weeks for 4 months to keep hemoglobin levels above 8 g/dL, despite discontinuation of ADT. The anemia, which had been well managed with iron therapy before ADT, was worsened by the loss of bone marrow-stimulating testosterone effects. The case highlights testosterone's important role in erythrocyte production. Practitioners should monitor hemoglobin levels in patients undergoing ADT.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)811.e5-811.e8
JournalUrology
Volume70
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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