Intrapancreatic Fat Deposition and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Primary Case-Control Study

IntroductionVisceral fat is associated with cancer risk. Intrapancreatic fat deposition (IPFD) has been associated with pancreatic diseases, but its role in extra-pancreatic malignancies remains unclear. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between IPFD and prostate cancer risk.MethodsA total of 143 patients with newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve prostate cancer and 286 age-matched controls without malignancy were enrolled in this retrospective study. IPFD was assessed using unenhanced computed tomography (CT) by two markers: pancreatic CT attenuation (PanCT) and pancreatic-to-spleen attenuation ratio (P/S). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between IPFD and prostate cancer risk, with sequential adjustment for demographic, metabolic, and hepatic parameters.ResultsThe risk of prostate cancer decreases as PanCT (p < 0.01) and P/S increases (p = 0.05). Participants with prostate cancer had lower pancreatic CT attenuation compared to controls. In fully adjusted models, higher PanCT quartiles were associated with progressively lower odds of prostate cancer (Q2: OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.69; Q3: OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.52; Q4: OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.29; all p < 0.01). Similar inverse associations were observed for P/S ratio quartiles (Q3: OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.13-0.68; Q4: OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.75).ConclusionIntrapancreatic fat deposition is independently associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, regardless of hepatic fat and body mass index.