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Updated: Feb 11, 2026
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Isolation of Cancer Stem Cells From Human Prostate Cancer Samples
Published on: March 14, 2014
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Prostate cancer and antidepressants: A nationwide population-based nested case-control study
Wei-Yu Lin1, Vincent Chin-Hung Chen2, Wei-Che Chiu3
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Gia-Yi, Taiwan; Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Gia-Yi, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|April 26, 2018
Summary
This study found no significant link between most antidepressants and prostate cancer risk. A temporary association with imipramine was observed but disappeared at higher doses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Investigating the potential relationship between antidepressant use and prostate cancer incidence.
- Utilizing a large-scale nationwide insurance claims database for comprehensive analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between antidepressant exposure and the risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Comparing antidepressant usage patterns in prostate cancer patients versus a matched control group.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed using a nationwide insurance claims database.
- 11,515 prostate cancer cases were matched with 55,373 controls based on age and gender.
- Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associations.
Main Results:
- No increased association was found between most antidepressant classes and prostate cancer.
- A transient positive association was observed for imipramine at certain doses (OR 1.20-1.35).
- This imipramine-associated risk became statistically insignificant with higher cumulative doses.
Conclusions:
- Mechanistically dissimilar antidepressants do not appear to increase prostate cancer risk.
- The observed association with imipramine was dose-dependent and not sustained at higher levels.
- Findings suggest no general link between antidepressant use and prostate cancer hazard.
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