Prostate Cancer Associated with Minimal Change Disease: A Case Report

Introduction: Minimal change disease (MCD), a common cause of primary nephrotic syndrome that accounts for 10%-15% of all primary nephrotic syndrome cases in adults, is frequently associated with malignant lymphoma. However, studies on MCD associated with prostate cancer are scarce.

Case presentation: A 73-year-old male with prostate cancer was referred to our department with hypoalbuminemia and severe proteinuria while waiting for prostatectomy. We diagnosed the patient with nephrotic syndrome and performed a renal biopsy. Renal pathological findings were consistent with those of MCD. The clinical course suggested an association between prostate cancer and MCD as our patient achieved complete remission of MCD after receiving androgen deprivation and radiation therapy for prostate cancer without the use of glucocorticoids or other immunosuppressants.

Discussion: Although MCD can be associated with solid tumors, MCD associated with prostate cancer is very rare. The current case is the first to directly raise the possibility that secondary MCD may develop due to prostate cancer in some patients.