The Ocular Surface Characteristics in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

Cheng Li,Zhipeng Xu,Xiaofeng Li,Feilun Cui,Nuo Dong,Wen-Qing Shi,Weina Li

doi:10.1155/2021/5390195

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the association of long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with ocular surface characteristics in prostate cancer patients. Methods A total of 30 male prostate cancer patients who received ADT were selected. All candidates were scored using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and subsequently divided into two groups containing 9 symptomatic patients (scores >12) and 21 asymptomatic patients (scores ≤ 12). Another 20 healthy age-matched males were selected as the control group. Each candidate was assessed with respect to eyelid margin abnormality, tear film break-up time (NI-BUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), meiboscore, meibum expressibility, and demodex infection. Results The NI-BUT in the ADT group was significantly shorter than that in the control group. The scores for OSDI, eyelid margin abnormality, meibum expressibility, and meiboscores were significantly higher in the ADT group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the NI-BUT in the symptomatic ADT group was significantly shorter than that in the asymptomatic ADT group (P < 0.05). The meiboscores and meibum expressibility score in the symptomatic ADT group were significantly higher than those in the asymptomatic ADT group (P < 0.05). The presence of demodex in the symptomatic ADT group was also higher than that in the asymptomatic ADT group (P < 0.05).The length of time that patients had been taking ADT was positively correlated with meiboscores and negatively correlated with NI-BUT. Conclusion Androgen levels were associated with significant changes in relative meibomian gland function. Subjective symptoms, such as dryness and foreign body sensation, were more obvious in prostate cancer patients receiving ADT, which may be caused by MGD and demodex infection. It's recommended that more attention be paid to the ocular surface in prostate cancer patients taking ADT by performing examination of NI-BUT and meibomian gland morphology and function with a view to providing more comprehensive prevention and treatment protocols.

Highlights

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumor in men, and its incidence is gradually increasing annually
Long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) suppresses androgen levels, which can slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer, but this leads to physiological changes in the ocular surface
The present study investigated the changes in the structure and function of the ocular surface in prostate cancer patients taking ADT

Summary

Introduction

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumor in men, and its incidence is gradually increasing annually. To investigate the association of long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with ocular surface characteristics in prostate cancer patients. All candidates were scored using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and subsequently divided into two groups containing 9 symptomatic patients (scores >12) and 21 asymptomatic patients (scores ≤ 12) Another 20 healthy age-matched males were selected as the control group. Androgen levels were associated with significant changes in relative meibomian gland function Subjective symptoms, such as dryness and foreign body sensation, were more obvious in prostate cancer patients receiving ADT, which may be caused by MGD and demodex infection. It’s recommended that more attention be paid to the ocular surface in prostate cancer patients taking ADT by performing examination of NI-BUT and meibomian gland morphology and function with a view to providing more comprehensive prevention and treatment protocols

Methods

Results

Conclusion