Risk Factors for Hot Flashes Associated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Japanese Patients with Prostate Cancer

Introduction: Androgen deprivation therapy plays a central role in the treatment of prostate cancer. However, its side effect of hot flashes reduces the quality of life of patients. The risk factors for hot flashes in Japanese patients have been explored in a few studies, but the effects of medications for comorbid conditions have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for hot flashes associated with androgen deprivation therapy in Japanese patients with prostate cancer. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study in patients with prostate cancer who received luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists or antagonists at our institution from January 2013 to December 2023. The patient demographics, comorbidities, and association between concomitant medications and hot flash onset were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 180 eligible patients, 99 (55.0%) experienced hot flashes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age was associated with an increased risk of hot flashes (odds ratio: 1.056, 95% confidence interval: 1.004-1.110, p = 0.034). Concomitant atrial fibrillation (odds ratio: 0.257, 95% confidence interval: 0.071-0.928, p = 0.038) and beta-blocker use (odds ratio: 0.265, 95% confidence interval: 0.086-0.816, p = 0.021) were associated with a decreased risk of developing hot flashes. Conclusions: Younger age is a risk factor for hot flashes during androgen deprivation therapy in Japanese patients with prostate cancer. Beta-blockers may be promising for preventing or treating hot flashes.