The Influence of Endogenous Testosterone on Incidental Prostate Cancer after Transurethral Prostate Resection.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in men with prostate enlargement.
• Incidental prostate cancer (iPCA) can be discovered during surgery for LUTS.
• The relationship between endogenous testosterone and iPCA requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between preoperative endogenous total testosterone (TT) and incidental prostate cancer (iPCA).
• To test the hypothesis that TT levels may relate to iPCA in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 389 patients undergoing TURP for LUTS was evaluated.
• Preoperative endogenous testosterone levels were measured in the morning.
• Statistical methods were used to analyze the relationship between TT and iPCA detection and characteristics.

Main Results:

• iPCA was detected in 4.6% of patients.
• Endogenous TT showed a strong positive correlation with tumor load (number of chips involved) and tumor grade (ISUP > 2).
• Linear regression confirmed the association of TT with higher tumor load and grade.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative endogenous TT levels are associated with specific features of iPCA.
• Further multicenter prospective trials are needed to elucidate the influence of iPCA on endogenous testosterone levels.