Correlation between Prostatitis, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer: A systematic review and...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The relationship between prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PCa) lacks definitive consensus.
• Epidemiological evidence is needed to clarify the triadic relationship among these prostate conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis to explore the triadic relationship among prostatitis, BPH, and PCa.
• To summarize existing epidemiological evidence on these associations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic retrieval of studies from PubMed, PMC, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to April 1, 2019.
• Calculation of pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess correlations.
• Exclusion of outlier studies using Galbraith plots to address heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• Initial analysis of 35 studies showed associations between prostatitis and PCa (OR=1.72) and BPH and PCa (OR=2.16).
• After addressing heterogeneity, 17 studies linked prostatitis to PCa (OR=1.59) and 8 studies linked BPH to PCa (OR=3.10).
• Evidence suggests prostatitis may increase the risk of BPH.

Conclusions:

• Significant correlations exist among prostatitis, BPH, and PCa.
• Prostatitis and BPH are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
• A history of prostatitis may increase susceptibility to developing BPH.