High-dose vitamin D for bone and muscle loss in older men on hormone therapy
High-dose Vitamin D Supplementation for ADT-Induced Bone Loss in Older Prostate Cancer Patients
Older men on androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer will receive higher-dose vitamin D to help protect their bones and muscles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237584 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are an older man receiving ADT for prostate cancer, the project gives higher-dose vitamin D (for example, 50,000 IU once a week) and monitors vitamin D blood levels, bone density scans, muscle strength, balance, and falls. ADT causes big drops in testosterone that speed bone and muscle loss and increase fracture risk, and routine low-dose vitamin D hasn't protected against this. You would come to the University of Rochester for regular blood tests and clinic visits so researchers can see if higher vitamin D levels help preserve bone and muscle. The study aims to find a tolerable, effective dose that can lower falls and fractures in men on ADT.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men aged 65 and older with prostate cancer who are currently receiving androgen-deprivation therapy are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People not on ADT, women, younger men, or those with conditions like severe kidney disease or high blood calcium may not be eligible or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this could reduce bone loss, falls, fractures, and muscle weakness in older men on ADT.
How similar studies have performed: Low-dose vitamin D trials in ADT patients have not prevented bone loss, but higher-dose vitamin D has increased blood levels and improved bone outcomes in other populations.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peppone, Luke Joseph — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Peppone, Luke Joseph
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.