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5 alpha-reductase activity and prostate cancer: a case-control study using stored sera
H A Guess1, G D Friedman, M C Sadler
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7400, USA.
Summary
This study found no significant link between serum 5 alpha-reductase activity biomarkers and prostate cancer incidence. Further research is needed to confirm the relationship between intraprostatic enzyme activity and cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a significant health concern.
- 5 alpha-reductase activity is implicated in prostate cancer development.
- Serum biomarkers may reflect intraprostatic enzyme activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum biomarkers of 5 alpha-reductase activity and prostate cancer incidence.
- To determine if testosterone and its metabolites are linked to prostate cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- Nested case-control study within a large cohort.
- Matched 106 prostate cancer cases with controls.
- Measured serum levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, androsterone glucuronide, and 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha-diol G).
Main Results:
- No statistically significant association was found between any of the measured serum biomarkers and prostate cancer incidence.
- Adjusted odds ratios for a one quartile increase ranged from 1.00 to 1.16, with wide confidence intervals.
- The study results were limited by the presence of two 5 alpha-reductase isoenzymes.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find evidence supporting a link between serum 5 alpha-reductase activity biomarkers and prostate cancer.
- The findings cannot exclude a potential relationship between intraprostatic 5 alpha-reductase activity and prostate cancer.
- A clinical trial is underway to further investigate this hypothesis.