Vocal changes in patients with prostate cancer following androgen ablation

Abstract

Objective: To compare the prevalence of vocal symptoms and parameters in patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Materials and methods: Thirty-two male patients aged 60-83 years were recruited for this study. The subjects were divided into two groups: one group consisted of 18 patients with prostate cancer treated with ADT using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and the other group consisted of 14 controls matched according to age. Demographic data included age, history of smoking, reflux, and duration of therapy. The reported phonatory symptoms were hoarseness, inability to project the voice, and vocal fatigue. Patients also underwent acoustic analysis, and the following acoustic variables were measured: fundamental frequency, relative average perturbation, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and voice turbulence index.

Results: Compared with the control group, there was no statistical difference in any of the phonatory symptoms. The habitual pitch was significantly higher in the prostate cancer group compared with the controls (131.76 vs 114.11 Hz), with a P value of 0.021. There was also a significant increase in all the perturbation parameters, namely, relative average perturbation and shimmer, with a significant difference with respect to the latter (P value=0.014). There was also a significant increase in the noise-to-harmonic ratio (P value=0.014).

Conclusion: The administration of ADT for patients with prostate cancer can affect the habitual pitch. However, there are no noticeable vocal changes reported by the patients.