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Inflammation and chronic prostatic diseases: evidence for a link?
Alessandro Sciarra1, Franco Di Silverio, Stefano Salciccia
1Department of Urology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. sciarrajr@hotmail.com
European Urology
|July 10, 2007
Summary
Prostate inflammation is linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. Current evidence suggests inflammation is a risk factor, but further research is needed for specific surveillance strategies.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Prostatic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a potential driver of prostate growth.
- It may contribute to both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if prostate inflammation is a significant factor in the development and progression of BPH and PCa.
- To assess the availability of data supporting prostate inflammation as a risk factor for prostate diseases.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of the international literature was conducted.
- PubMed searches were utilized to identify recent findings on inflammation's role in BPH and PCa.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory aspects are found in approximately 40% of BPH cases, correlating with higher risks of progression and acute urinary retention.
- Evidence suggests a link between bacterial colonization, chronic inflammation, and PCa diagnosis, with genetic studies supporting inflammation as a cause.
- Proliferative inflammatory atrophy is identified as a precursor to prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and PCa.
Conclusions:
- The association between inflammation and chronic prostatic diseases like BPH and PCa is supported by emerging evidence.
- However, current data do not yet justify specific oncologic surveillance for these inflammatory conditions.
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