PR.7 Companion Trial: Effect of Intermittent Versus Continuous Androgen Suppression on Bone Loss and Body Composition

The purpose of this study is to determine, in patients entered on the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC)-PR.7 trial of intermittent versus continuous androgen ablation, whether the rates of osteoporosis, fractures, and alteration in body composition are reduced by intermittent androgen ablation. There will be two groups of patients: 1. A cross-sectional group of 150 patients registered in PR.7 prior to January 1, 2002, randomized between intermittent androgen suppression (IAS) and continuous androgen suppression (CAS) (75 from each group). Patients who have definite bone metastases are excluded from this study. Biochemical failure does not exclude the patient. 2. A longitudinal study of 150 newly accrued patients randomized between IAS and CAS (75 from each group). These patients will have baseline evaluation of bone loss and body composition, longitudinal monitoring and follow-up on an annual basis for patients on CAS and at the end of each "off cycle" of IAS. Patients taking bisphosphonates are excluded from this study.