Some members pointed out that immunoprotection may not be useful against Covid-19. Now an Italian observational study suggests that it is. Men with PCa not taking ADT were 4 times as likely to be diagnosed with Covid-19 and also with serious cases of Covid-19. Was that because people with cancer took more care? Apparently not - people with other cancers were 5 times as likely to be diagnosed with Covid-19.
The effect was very big - only 4 of 5,273 men on ADT were covid-19 positive (none died) , but 114 men of 37,161 men with PCa who were not on ADT were covid-19 positive (18 died). Among 79,661 patients with other types of cancer, 312 developed COVID-19 (57 died).
Because men are much more likely to die of Covid-19 than women, and the protective effect appears to be so strong, the authors suggest that men who are at high risk of infection (and who do not have PCa), use a short-acting form of ADT (like Firmagon) to protect them from infection.
Thanks, TA for posting it. Does the study anywhere indicates how long the patient has been on ADT?, I mean does the length of time being on ADT matter?
"the authors suggest that men who are at high risk of infection (and who do not have PCa), use a short-acting form of ADT (like Firmagon) to protect them from infection.'
I can't find the paragraph or language in the article where the authors make this suggestion. Can anyone help find it.
It certainly seems logical. But if you want a doc to use a drug off label, the more explicit the support for doing so, the more likely you are to succeed.
Thank you T/A for the Covid update I have been on ADT going on almost three years now it has kicked my Ass in every other way imaginable but has a chance in savings me from Covid 19 I'll take it.
I look forward to your posts fighting the Beast it must be very frustrating at times for you doing all of this research and passing it on to us Brothers .just know I'm sure speaking for all of us you are very much appreciated. Leo
oops, I didn't know that you already posted this information a day before I did. Good news though. Melatonin and Vitamin D reduce chances of death from the virus as well.
Not exactly - association is not causation. One of the Vitamin D studies was especially misleading - they just looked at the death rate in some countries (like Italy and Spain) where the serum Vitamin D levels may be lower (because they stay out of the sun, have darker skin, and don't supplement) and compared it to some northern countries where the serum Vitamin D levels are higher (because they love the sun and take cod-liver oil and other supplements). As if that were the "cause" of the higher death rate down south! (another demonstration that patients should ignore epidemiological studies.) The other paper speculates that people with severely low Vitamin D levels may be more likely to die from a cytokine storm when infected with the virus because normal levels of vitamin D may dampen that immune response. Fortunately, few people have the kind of low Vitamin D levels they are talking about.
I think the problem with Italy and Spain is because they are more obese than Sweden and they have more people usually living under one roof, plus they are socializing in the town square at most meals. I think the levels of covid in Florida is lower because they get sunshine and are outside more. New York had a high death rate and 66% of those people were staying inside sheltering. It's complicated but I've taken all things into account and believe that Vitamin D is something that reduces the more severe forms of covid but of course there are several other factors such as obesity, diabetes, heart and lung disease, melatonin levels etc. One thing I dont like about this website is that many people (not you) want to fight and argue to the death on every comment. It's like telling someone they should eat an apple a day and walk outside everyday and you'll live longer, then 50 people will reply saying that you might choke on the apple or trip on the sidewalk. Just like facebook, we've become a society of debates instead of just saying thanks for your thoughts, I'll consider them, smile and move on to happy talk. I especially dont mind giving recommendations when I know they wont hurt anyone - like D3 and melatonin. ADT is another story. I would never suggest anyone start ADT just to lower chances of covid, but I would like to tell the people who are on it, that it might reduce their chances of dying from covid. And if that causes someone on ADT to start making out with sleazy chicks in a bar then that's on them. lol
Would this possible protection from COVID-19, be the same if you've had an orchiectomy? I would think it's the same, but since one is chemical and one is surgical/natural, I wasn't sure.
I see the VA at West LA is starting a trial of Degarelix in veterans without PC who enroll on testing positive for COVID-19.
I am wondering what the situation might be for those men who are using estradiol for or with ADT since in women it leads to increased rather than decreased TMPRSS2 expression? Would not seem to be the safe choice at this juncture. Your thoughts?
Thanks. BTW I got enrolled in the VA system and scheduled for my DCFPyL scan the first week of June in Los Angeles. Could provide some clarifying info.
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