Risk of fracture incidence in prostate cancer survivors: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea

Purpose We analyzed the risk of fracture in prostate cancer (PC) survivors compared to that in the general population in South Korea and according to the primary treatment. Methods From 2007 to 2013, a total of 41,733 PC survivors newly diagnosed with PC in South Korea were identified and matched to non-cancer controls. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to determine the relative risk of fracture. Results Compared to the matched controls, PC survivors had a higher risk of fracture (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–1.45). Compared to the matched controls, the active surveillance/watchful waiting and radiotherapy group showed a similar risk of fracture (aHR 1.08; 95% CI 0.98–1.20, and aHR 1.04; 95% CI 0.63–1.73, respectively). PC survivors who underwent surgery showed a lower risk of fracture (aHR 0.89; 95% CI 0.82–0.96), while those who underwent surgery + androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (aHR 1.41; 95% CI 1.26–1.57), radiotherapy + ADT (aHR 1.86; 95% CI 1.50–2.32), and only ADT (aHR 1.92; 95% CI 1.82–2.02) showed a higher risk of fracture than the control group. Conclusion The risk of fracture differed according to the primary treatment method for PC; survivors who underwent surgery had a lower risk of fracture compared to that of the general population. However, PC survivors treated with ADT showed a higher risk of fracture than the other PC treatment groups or the general population. Therefore, more attention and preventive bone care are required for PC survivors who receive ADT.