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Second to fourth digit ratio and prostate cancer severity
M Waters1, C M Rebholz, B Wood
1Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases
|November 14, 2012
Summary
The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D ratio) shows significant ethnic differences in prostate cancer patients. However, this digit ratio does not correlate with prostate cancer severity or progression.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Urology
- Anthropometry
Background:
- The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D ratio) is a sexually dimorphic trait influenced by prenatal androgen exposure.
- This ratio varies between ethnic groups and has been explored as a marker for androgen-associated conditions like prostate cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the 2D:4D ratio as a potential biomarker for stratifying prostate cancer severity.
- To test the hypothesis that lower 2D:4D ratios (indicating higher prenatal androgen exposure) are associated with more severe prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Digit measurements of the second and fourth fingers of the right hand were taken from male prostate cancer patients.
- Patient data including Gleason score, metastasis, family history, age, and race were collected and analyzed in relation to 2D:4D ratios.
Main Results:
- African-American men with prostate cancer were significantly more likely to have a low 2D:4D ratio compared to Caucasian men.
- No statistically significant associations were found between 2D:4D ratio and prostate cancer metastasis, Gleason score, family history, or age at diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The 2D:4D ratio exhibits notable ethnic disparities in prostate cancer patients but does not serve as a reliable indicator of disease severity.
- Current findings do not support the hypothesis that prenatal androgen exposure, as indicated by the 2D:4D ratio, influences prostate cancer grade or progression.
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