Men with prostate cancer have a high risk of heart disease, especially when treated with hormone therapy. A large international, first-of-its-kind study led by Hamilton researchers found that routine referrals to an internist or cardiologist improved cholesterol levels but did not lead to fewer heart attacks, strokes, heart failure or cardiovascular deaths.
The findings were published simultaneously in JAMA Internal Medicine and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress on Aug. 30, 2026, by Darryl Leong, the study's principal investigator and a senior scientist at the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), a joint institute of Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University.
Researchers aimed to explore whether involving a cardiologist or internist in the care of prostate cancer patients could improve management of cardiovascular risk factors and reduce serious heart-related complications.
Better risk control, mixed outcomes
After nearly six years of follow-up, participants referred to a cardiologist or internist in addition to usual prostate cancer care were significantly more likely to receive statin therapy (63% versus 40%) and blood pressure medication (56% versus 49%) than those receiving usual care alone. Over time, the referred group also had significantly lower cholesterol levels.
