Selenium and the prevention of prostate and colorectal cancer

Prostate and colorectal cancers are among the most common cancers and identifying modifiable risk factors are important steps to reduce the burden of these severe diseases. Results from several but mostly small observational studies as well as the secondary analysis of an intervention trial provide support for a chemopreventive effect of selenium on prostate and colorectal cancers. Results suggest effect modification by gender and smoking, but this interpretation is limited by the statistical power of previous studies. Several cancer preventive mechanisms have been described and it is likely that selenium acts through multiple pathways. In particular, the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects mediated through activity of selenoenzymes are discussed, given the relevance of oxidative stress and inflammation in these cancers. Genetic variation in selenoenzymes may modify the potential chemopreventive effect of selenium and need to be further investigated. Additional large observational studies using biomarkers of selenium intake and intervention trials, such as the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial, will be important to further evaluate the potential chemopreventive effect of selenium. Furthermore, characterization of functional effects of polymorphisms in selenoenzymes is needed.