Testosterone and prostate cancer
Article published in Urologia Polska 2008/61/1.

authors

Monika Bonczyk, Romuald Zdrojowy, Dominika Makota, Anna Kołodziej

Klinika Urologii i Onkologii Urologicznej Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu

keywords

prostate, testosterone, prostate cancer

summary

Introduction and the aim of the study. An interaction between androgens and prostate cancer (pCa) is well recognised. The greatest concern associated with higher testosteron (t) levels and its substitution is the possibility of an increased risk of pCa. The aim of the study is to present historical and current evidences for the belief that t causes pCa growth.

Material and methods. Review of historical and more recent studies investigating the relationship of t and pCa.

Results. More then 60 years ago Huggins and Hodges reported, that the reduction in t level by castration caused the regress of metastatic pCa. Similarly, they concluded that the administration of exogenous t caused pCa growth. On the basis of this single report, t substitution was not recommended in patients with pCa. More recent studies didn’t confirm higher t levels in men with pCa comparing to the population group. Low t levels in patients with pCa are even related with poorer prognosis. Furthermore, there are a few reports about decreased pCa risk in men undergoing t substitution therapy. The regress of metastatic pCa caused by the reduction in t and no influence of high t levels on the progress of pCa at the same time is explained by a saturation model. The maximal stimulation of pCa is reached at phisiological levels of t.

Conclusion. There is no compelling evidence that t causes pCa to grow. Further investigations are necessary to establish the role of t in the pathogenesis of pCa.

references

correspondence