How are hemoglobin levels affected by androgen deprivation in non-metastatic prostate cancer patients?
PURPOSE: To examine the change of hemoglobin in relation to testosterone level in non-metastatic prostate cancer patients receiving 2-year androgen suppression. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cohort of 72 patients, as participants of a phase II study, were treated with adjuvant radiotherapy plus 2-year androgen suppression after surgery to reduce the risk of relapse. Patients had laboratory tests including hemoglobin (Hb) and testosterone, and a quality of life questionnaire at regular intervals during the androgen suppression and post-androgen suppression period. The pattern of the change in Hb was evaluated in relation to testosterone level. The clinical significance of Hb change was assessed with a correlation analysis between Hb and the three domains of the questionnaire (global health status, physical functioning, and fatigue). RESULTS: Median age was 64.2 years. Median follow-up was 37 months. Mean Hb at the baseline was 148.4 g/L. It declined slightly with radiotherapy by 2.2 g/L. Max
