Is there a seasonal variation of survival after systemic chemotherapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in a rural part of North Norway?

• Published in: International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Main Authors: Carsten Nieder, Astrid Dalhaug, Ellinor Haukland
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2020
• Subjects: prostate cancer; distant metastases; chemotherapy; systemic therapy; survival; pattern of care; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic; Norway; Bodø; Circumpolar Health; International Journal of Circumpolar Health; Nordland; North Norway; polar night
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2020.1742520; https://doaj.org/article/491778cda3184eeb986f217df701e906

The winter darkness or polar night induces endocrine and metabolic mechanisms, which might reduce the efficacy of cancer treatment and thus contribute to shorter survival. Moreover, season-and weather-related treatment delays and irregularities might also cause reduced efficacy of anti-cancer drugs....