City of Hope Launches Clinical Trial to Protect Heart Health in Prostate Cancer Patients
City of Hope, a leading cancer research and treatment organization in the U.S., has initiated a phase 2 clinical trial to explore how to safeguard heart health in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT is a vital hormone therapy that can save lives, but it can also have negative effects on heart and metabolic health.
Dr. Yun Rose Li, the principal investigator and a physician-scientist at City of Hope, highlighted the importance of addressing these health consequences. “ADT is essential for treating prostate cancer, but it can lead to significant health issues. Improving patients’ overall well-being and reducing long-term complications is crucial,” she said.
The study aims to mitigate the risks associated with ADT so that patients can continue benefiting from this important treatment. Men who undergo ADT may face an increased risk of heart-related issues, such as heart attacks and strokes. This risk is often linked to changes in metabolism that can cause weight gain, insulin resistance, and increased body fat.
Dr. Li’s laboratory has focused on minimizing side effects from cancer treatments, including radiotherapy and ADT. This new trial builds on her previous research.
The trial will evaluate three different strategies: intermittent fasting with a 16-hour fasting window, a medication that helps weight management by targeting the GLP-1 signaling pathway, and following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 guidelines. Participants will adhere to one of these approaches for six months while continuing their cancer treatment.
Researchers will thoroughly assess the participants’ cardiovascular and metabolic health using a variety of methods, including clinical measures and imaging. The study will continue to follow patients for a year after their intervention.
The main goal of this trial is to see if these widely used strategies are practical and safe for prostate cancer patients receiving hormone therapy. Dr. June-Wha Rhee, an associate professor in the Division of Cardiology and a fellow investigator, expressed hope for the study’s outcomes. “We aim to discover which approach best supports heart health and which patients benefit the most. These findings will guide future cancer care and improve strategies to tackle treatment-related health risks.”
