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Published on: March 6, 2018

Effect of alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist exposure on prostate cancer incidence: an observational cohort study

Andrew M Harris1, Bradley W Warner, John M Wilson

  • 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA.

The Journal of Urology
|September 18, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Alpha1-blocker medications like doxazosin may reduce prostate cancer incidence. This observational study found lower prostate cancer rates in men using these drugs, suggesting a potential preventative effect.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Quinazoline-based alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists (e.g., doxazosin, terazosin) are known to inhibit prostate tumor growth.
  • These drugs induce apoptosis and reduce tumor vascularity, suggesting potential anti-cancer mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between alpha1-blocker exposure and the incidence of prostate cancer.
  • To evaluate the impact of quinazoline-based alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists on prostate cancer risk.

Main Methods:

  • An observational cohort study was conducted using medical records from the Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
  • Patient data (1998-2002) were linked to the Kentucky Cancer Registry to identify incident prostate cancer cases.
  • Relative risk and attributable risk were calculated, comparing exposed (alpha1-blocker users) and unexposed groups.

Main Results:

  • The cumulative incidence of prostate cancer was lower in the alpha1-blocker exposed group (1.65%) compared to the unexposed group (2.41%).
  • Exposure to quinazoline alpha1-blockers was associated with a reduced relative risk (RR 0.683) and attributable risk for prostate cancer.
  • An estimated 7.6 fewer prostate cancer cases per 1,000 exposed men were observed, potentially preventing 32 cases in the study cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Exposure to quinazoline-based alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists is associated with a significant decrease in prostate cancer incidence.
  • The observed reduction in prostate cancer risk may be attributed to the apoptotic and anti-angiogenic properties of these drugs.
  • Alpha1-blocker therapy warrants further investigation for its potential role in prostate cancer prevention.

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