Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2026

Comments

This article is the author’s final published version in Cancer Medicine, Volume 15, Issue 8, 2026, Article number e72046.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.72046. Copyright © 2026 The Author(s).

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many older adults with cancer have at least one comorbidity. Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common comorbidity among patients with prostate cancer (PC) and represents an important consideration in this population. Comorbid T2DM can negatively impact cancer-specific outcomes for patients, suggesting the need for better glycemic management, especially for patients on active cancer treatment. The goal of this modified Diabetes Self-Management Education Services (mDSMES) pilot study was to provide patients with the opportunity to learn methods of diabetes self-management, including how to manage their glucose levels, improve their understanding and utilization of medication to promote improvements in health, and optimize PC treatment outcomes.

METHODS: Men with comorbid T2DM and advanced-stage PC receiving androgen deprivation therapy were recruited from the cancer center and randomized to an individualized pharmacy and nutrition education and counseling intervention or a non-interventional observational group. Diabetes knowledge was assessed with a validated tool. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through adherence and questionnaire. Laboratory assessments included serum HbA1c measurement.

RESULTS: Among the 803 screened, 177 had T2DM, 50 were eligible, and 28 were consented and randomized. 22 men completed the study. Results show feasibility with > 75% engagement and an average acceptability questionnaire score of 37.3/56. Knowledge test scores increased among mDSMES intervention participants, and HbA1c decreased in all participants, with a continuing trend in mDSMES intervention participants not seen in SOC participants.

CONCLUSION: The pilot clinical trial was feasible and acceptable, and participants gained insight and were effectively educated about T2DM self-care. A positive residual effect on HbA1c was indicated. Next steps involve refining the intervention based on provider and participant feedback and expanding it to a larger segment of the comorbid T2DM-PC population.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

PubMed ID

42521319

Language

English

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