Obesity, diabetes and aggressive prostate cancer hormone-naïve at initial diagnosis

Epidemiologic studies have implicated obesity in prostate cancer (PCa) development and aggressiveness; nevertheless, no clear consensus has been reached. The aim of the research was to investigate the association of obesity with PCa, hormone-naïve at initial diagnosis.

A retrospective analysis of 266 patients undergoing prostate biopsy at our institution, between 2006 and 2009, was conducted. We examined obesity and PCa association in 133 patients with PCa, hormone-naïve at initial diagnosis, versus 133 age-matched controls. Men with incomplete data available, a history of hormone therapy or chemotherapy, prostate or bladder surgery were excluded.

Obesity was significantly associated (OR 2.25) with aggressive PCa (Gleason score ≥7) and inversely related (OR 0.35) to non-aggressive PCa (Gleason score ≤6). Particularly, obesity in diabetic patients was significantly linked with aggressive PCa (OR 4.17). No association was noted between obesity and PCa development.

In our study, obese patients, particularly in combination with diabetes mellitus (DM), were more likely to present with more aggressive PCa. Further research with larger samples should be done to confirm these associations and to stabilize future prevention strategies.