Adverse Events Associated with Cumulative Corticosteroid Use in Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: An Administrative Claims Analysis.

introductionCorticosteroids are a mainstay treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Although corticosteroids have been associated with adverse events, long-term outcomes related to their sustained use have not been assessed in men with CRPC.

objectiveThis study evaluated the impact of cumulative corticosteroid exposure on the risk of developing specific adverse events in men with CRPC.

methodsData were obtained from administrative claims databases. Adult chemotherapy-naïve men who initiated CRPC treatment following surgical or medical castration were selected. Patients were grouped into four cohorts based on cumulative corticosteroid dose: no exposure, low exposure (< 0.5 g), medium exposure (0.5-2.0 g), and high exposure (> 2.0 g). Time to each adverse event was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analyses and time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for baseline characteristics.

resultsOverall, 9425 patients were included (no exposure, N = 6765; low exposure, N = 1660; medium exposure, N = 655; high exposure, N = 345). The mean age was 71-76 years across cohorts. During the study period, cumulative corticosteroid exposure was associated with a significantly higher risk of developing an infection [high vs. no exposure, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.27-2.85; p < 0.001 for trend], peptic ulcer (HR 1.91; 95% CI 1.39-2.64; p < 0.001), acute cardiovascular events (HR 1.62; 95% CI 1.43-1.83; p < 0.001), endocrine disorder (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.34-1.94; p < 0.001), fracture (HR 1.59; 95% CI 1.37-1.86; p < 0.001), or mental health condition (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.06-1.55; p = 0.014). Exposure to corticosteroids was associated with a more rapid onset of adverse events.

conclusionPatients with CRPC receiving corticosteroids had a higher risk of developing a wide range of adverse events than those not receiving them. The increased adverse event risk was observed after accounting, to the extent possible, for patients' overall disease severity.