Dr. Slovin Discusses a Study Comparing Cardiovascular Events With Degarelix, Leuprolide in Prostate Cancer

Susan F. Slovin, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial comparing the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease receiving degarelix, a GnRH receptor antagonist, or leuprolide, a GnRH receptor agonist.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women, Slovin says. Several years ago, it was found that there may be an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients who receive a GnRH agonist, such as leuprolide, for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Preliminary data has suggested that the amount of cardiovascular side effects in men treated with a GnRH antagonist, such as degarelix, might be fewer than in men who receive a GnRH agonist.