Urinary Trace Element Concentrations in Congolese Patients With Prostate Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers among men and a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), PCa represents an important public health challenge, with limited data available on environmental factors that may be associated with disease occurrence. Recent evidence suggests that trace element exposure may influence prostate carcinogenesis. This study aimed to compare urinary trace element concentrations between PCa patients and age-matched controls in the DRC.

This case-control analytical study was conducted between April 5, 2018, and April 5, 2023, in Haut-Katanga Province, DRC. The study included 94 PCa patients and 94 controls matched according to age and sociodemographic characteristics. Urinary concentrations of 12 selected trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test due to the non-normal distribution of trace element concentrations.

Compared with controls, PCa patients showed significantly higher urinary concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc (p < 0.05), whereas aluminium concentrations were significantly lower. No significant differences were observed for nickel, lead or strontium. These findings indicate distinct urinary trace element profiles among PCa patients and controls.

Altered urinary concentrations of several trace elements, including toxic and essential elements, were associated with PCa status in this Congolese population. Because urinary concentrations mainly reflect recent exposure, further studies using complementary biological matrices and longitudinal designs are needed to clarify the biological significance and potential role of trace elements in PCa development.