# Iron-Deficiency Anemia Associated With Prostate Cancer, and Ameliorated by Anti-androgen Therapy

## TL;DR

A prostate cancer patient with iron-deficiency anemia showed improvement after anti-androgen therapy, suggesting a link between the cancer and anemia.

## Contribution

The study highlights a potential role of hepcidin from prostate cancer in causing iron-deficiency anemia.

## Key findings

- The patient had iron-deficiency anemia without evidence of bleeding.
- Prostate cancer was found to be positive for hepcidin.
- Anti-androgen therapy improved the anemia.

## Abstract

Hepcidin is synthesized in liver and is a master regulator of iron metabolism. Renal anemia was suspected in an 86-year-old man, who was referred to our department. Laboratory tests indicated iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), and ferrous sulphate was initiated. However, no bleeding sites were demonstrated and the response to iron supplementation was not satisfactory. MRI revealed a tumor in the prostate, and prostate biopsy showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma that was positive for hepcidin. Anti-androgen therapy ameliorated IDA. Potential roles of hepcidin from prostate cancer (PCa) in the pathogenesis of IDA are discussed in this article.