Cardiovascular and metabolic complications during androgen deprivation: exercise as a potential countermeasure

Apart from the well-established adverse musculoskeletal and sexual health effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), evidence is accumulating of substantial ADT-related cardiovascular and metabolic complications, which may impact quality of life and overall survival. In this brief review we discuss (1) the incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic complications during/following ADT from large cohort studies, (2) the increased risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic disease from cross-sectional and prospective studies and (3) the use of physical exercise as a countermeasure in this new era of ADT-related toxicity. It is clear that exercise has the potential to provide a myriad of benefits to men undergoing ADT that may result in reduced morbidity and mortality, and subsequently improve quality of life.