Arterial Stiffness as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Case–Control Study

Abstract

Purpose

In New Zealand, prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the third most common cause of male cancer deaths. Among these patients, the most common non-cancer related cause of death is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aortic arterial stiffness may be clinically viable solution for detecting and tracking CVD risk factor in PCa survivors. The aim of the study was to determine whether aortic arterial stiffness is increased in PCa survivors compared to age-matched controls.

Methods

Participants recruited for this prospective comparative study were PCa survivors who had completed treatment (other than endocrine therapy) or were on active surveillance compared, or were age-matched non-cancer controls. During a single 1-h appointment, all participants had measures of aortic arterial stiffness, arterial wave reflection, central blood pressure and body composition taken.

Results

Ninety-eight men were recruited, 51 PCa survivors and 47 controls. There was no significant between group difference for aortic arterial stiffness [12.0 m/s (SD: 1.7) vs. 12.0 m/s (SD: 1.9), P = 0.953, d = 0.0]. Fat free mass [60.7 kg (SD: 4.9) vs. 65.1 kg (SD: 8.3), P = 0.007, d = 0.6] and skeletal muscle index [8.6 kg/m² (SD: 0.6) vs. 9.0 kg/m² (SD: 0.9), P = 0.050, d = 0.5] were lower in the PCa group.

Conclusions

Aortic arterial stiffness is not increased (worse) in men with PCa who receive various treatments, compared to age-matched controls. These findings may indicate that factors other than increased aortic arterial stiffness contribute to heightened risk of cardiovascular events in this population.