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Molecular Cancer May 2016Prostate cancer, the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in males worldwide, is estimated to be diagnosed in 1.1 million men per year. Introduction of PSA testing... (Review)
Review
Prostate cancer, the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in males worldwide, is estimated to be diagnosed in 1.1 million men per year. Introduction of PSA testing substantially improved early detection of prostate cancer, however it also led to overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment of patients with an indolent disease. Treatment outcome and management of prostate cancer could be improved by the development of non-invasive biomarker assays that aid in increasing the sensitivity and specificity of prostate cancer screening, help to distinguish aggressive from indolent disease and guide therapeutic decisions. Prostate cancer cells release miRNAs into the bloodstream, where they exist incorporated into ribonucleoprotein complexes or extracellular vesicles. Later, cell-free miRNAs have been found in various other biofluids. The initial RNA sequencing studies suggested that most of the circulating cell-free miRNAs in healthy individuals are derived from blood cells, while specific disease-associated miRNA signatures may appear in the circulation of patients affected with various diseases, including cancer. This raised a hope that cell-free miRNAs may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for prostate cancer. Indeed, a number of cell-free miRNAs that potentially may serve as diagnostic, prognostic or predictive biomarkers have been discovered in blood or other biofluids of prostate cancer patients and need to be validated in appropriately designed longitudinal studies and clinical trials. In this review, we systematically summarise studies investigating cell-free miRNAs in biofluids of prostate cancer patients and discuss the utility of the identified biomarkers in various clinical scenarios. Furthermore, we discuss the possible mechanisms of miRNA release into biofluids and outline the biological questions and technical challenges that have arisen from these studies.
Topics: Biological Transport; Biomarkers, Tumor; Body Fluids; Disease Management; Extracellular Vesicles; Gene Expression Profiling; Genetic Testing; Humans; Male; MicroRNAs; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Prostatic Neoplasms; Transcriptome
PubMed: 27189160
DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0523-5 -
Journal of Biomedical Informatics Nov 2023Adequate methods to promptly translate digital health innovations for improved patient care are essential. Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Adequate methods to promptly translate digital health innovations for improved patient care are essential. Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have been sources of digital innovation and hold the promise to revolutionize the way we treat, manage and diagnose patients. Understanding the benefits but also the potential adverse effects of digital health innovations, particularly when these are made available or applied on healthier segments of the population is essential. One of such adverse effects is overdiagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
to comprehensively analyze quantification strategies and data-driven definitions for overdiagnosis reported in the literature.
METHODS
we conducted a scoping systematic review of manuscripts describing quantitative methods to estimate the proportion of overdiagnosed patients.
RESULTS
we identified 46 studies that met our inclusion criteria. They covered a variety of clinical conditions, primarily breast and prostate cancer. Methods to quantify overdiagnosis included both prospective and retrospective methods including randomized clinical trials, and simulations.
CONCLUSION
a variety of methods to quantify overdiagnosis have been published, producing widely diverging results. A standard method to quantify overdiagnosis is needed to allow its mitigation during the rapidly increasing development of new digital diagnostic tools.
Topics: Male; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Artificial Intelligence; Overdiagnosis; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37769829
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2023.104506 -
Annual Review of Nutrition Aug 2012Although obesity is a well-known risk factor for several cancers, its role on cancer survival is poorly understood. We conducted a systematic literature review to assess... (Review)
Review
Although obesity is a well-known risk factor for several cancers, its role on cancer survival is poorly understood. We conducted a systematic literature review to assess the current evidence evaluating the impact of body adiposity on the prognosis of the three most common obesity-related cancers: prostate, colorectal, and breast. We included 33 studies of breast cancer, six studies of prostate cancer, and eight studies of colo-rectal cancer. We note that the evidence overrepresents breast cancer survivorship research and is sparse for prostate and colorectal cancers. Overall, most studies support a relationship between body adiposity and site-specific mortality or cancer progression. However, most of the research was not specifically designed to study these outcomes and, therefore, several methodological issues should be considered before integrating their results to draw conclusions. Further research is urgently warranted to assess the long-term impact of obesity among the growing population of cancer survivors.
Topics: Adiposity; Biomedical Research; Breast Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Obesity; Prognosis; Prostatic Neoplasms; Research Design
PubMed: 22540252
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-071811-150713 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Jul 2012Prostate cancer is a growing public health problem. Several human studies have shown a potentially protective effect of selenium, but the conclusions from published... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Prostate cancer is a growing public health problem. Several human studies have shown a potentially protective effect of selenium, but the conclusions from published reports are inconsistent.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to examine the evidence for relations between selenium intake, selenium status, and prostate cancer risk.
DESIGN
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and prospective cohort studies. The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Continuous Update Project database was searched up to September 2010. The studies included reported measurements of selenium intake or status (plasma, serum, or toenail selenium), assessments of prostate cancer cases (number of events), and the RR in the adult population. Meta-analyses were performed, and study quality, heterogeneity, and small study effects were assessed. Dose-response meta-analyses were used, with restricted cubic splines and fractional polynomials for nonlinear trends, to investigate the association between selenium status and prostate cancer risk.
RESULTS
Twelve studies with a total of 13,254 participants and 5007 cases of prostate cancer were included. The relation between plasma/serum selenium and prostate cancer in a nonlinear dose-response meta-analysis showed that the risk decreased with increasing plasma/serum selenium up to 170 ng/mL. Three high-quality studies included in the meta-analysis of toenail selenium and cancer risk indicated a reduction in prostate cancer risk (estimated RR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.61) with a toenail selenium concentration between 0.85 and 0.94 μg/g.
CONCLUSION
The relation between selenium status and decreased prostate cancer risk was examined over a relatively narrow range of selenium status; further studies in low-selenium populations are required.
Topics: Adult; Diet; Humans; Male; Nails; Nutritional Status; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Selenium
PubMed: 22648711
DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.111.033373 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2016Previous studies have reported controversial results on the association between tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Previous studies have reported controversial results on the association between tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate this relationship. A total of 24 published studies with 15,099 cases were included. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. Tomato intake was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98, P = 0.019; P < 0.001 for heterogeneity, I = 72.7%). When stratified by study design, the RRs for case-control and cohort studies were 0.76 (95% CI 0.61-0.94, P = 0.010) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.84-1.10, P = 0.579), respectively. In the subgroup analysis by geographical region, significant protective effects were observed in Asian (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.85, P = 0.015) and Oceania populations (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.99, P = 0.035), but not in other geographical populations. Begg's test indicated a significant publication bias (P = 0.015). Overall, tomato intake may have a weak protective effect against prostate cancer. Because of the huge heterogeneity and null results in cohort studies, further prospective studies are needed to explore the potential relationship between tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk.
Topics: Food Preferences; Humans; Solanum lycopersicum; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Vegetables
PubMed: 27841367
DOI: 10.1038/srep37091 -
Urologia Internationalis 2023The relationship between cruciferous vegetables and prostate cancer (PCa) risk remains contentious. This study aimed to assess the association between consuming... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between cruciferous vegetables and prostate cancer (PCa) risk remains contentious. This study aimed to assess the association between consuming cruciferous vegetables and PCa risk.
METHODS
We carried out a systematic search through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library until September 20, 2022. The results of the article will be analyzed using the Stata 14 software. This meta-analysis was reported as directed by the PRISMA guidance, and the study protocol was recorded in PROSPERO (CRD42022361556).
RESULTS
7 case-control studies and 9 cohort studies were eventually included, including 70,201 PCa cases and 1,264,437 members. The higher the intake of cruciferous vegetables, the lower the risk of PCa. In comparison to the lowest dose of cruciferous vegetables, the overall relative risk (RR) of cruciferous vegetables having the highest dose was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-0.95; I2 = 59.2%). A significant linear trend (p = 0.002) was observed for the association, with a combined RR of 0.955 (95% CI: 0.928-0.982) for every 15 g of cruciferous vegetables per day.
CONCLUSIONS
The study revealed that consumption of cruciferous vegetables may be linked to reduced PCa risk.
Topics: Male; Humans; Vegetables; Diet; Brassicaceae; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37343525
DOI: 10.1159/000530435 -
Journal of Geriatric Oncology Sep 2023Sarcopenia is a common skeletal muscle disorder in older people. Here we explore the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact on men with prostate cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Sarcopenia is a common skeletal muscle disorder in older people. Here we explore the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact on men with prostate cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies with an explicit definition of sarcopenia in men with prostate cancer which were published between years 2000 and 2022. Prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with time to biochemical recurrence (BCR), progression-free survival (PFS), non-cancer mortality, overall survival (OS), and treatment-related complications in men with prostate cancer were explored. The summary prevalence, hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
RESULTS
A total of 24 studies comprising 3,616 patients with early and advanced prostate cancer were included. The prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity was 43.8% (95% CI 19.2%-68.5%) and 24.0% (95% CI 5.0%-43.1%), respectively. Sarcopenia was not associated with a shorter time to BCR (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.64-1.23, p = 0.48), a shorter PFS (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.73-1.97, p = 0.48), or a shorter OS (HR 1.29, 95% CI 0.90-1.85, p = 0.16). In contrast, sarcopenia was significantly associated with a higher non-cancer mortality (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.23-2.80, p = 0.003). In four out of five studies eligible for assessment, sarcopenia was not associated with an increased risk of treatment-related complications.
DISCUSSION
Sarcopenia increases the risk of death from other causes in men with prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer should be assessed and managed for sarcopenia in everyday clinical practice.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Sarcopenia; Prostatic Neoplasms; Obesity; Proportional Hazards Models; Prognosis
PubMed: 37482497
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2023.101594 -
The Permanente Journal 2020Asbestos-related diseases and cancers represent a major public health concern. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Asbestos-related diseases and cancers represent a major public health concern.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate that asbestos exposure increases the risk of prostate cancer.
METHODS
The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were searched using the keywords (prostate cancer OR prostatic neoplasm) AND (asbestos* OR crocidolite* OR chrysotile* OR amphibole* OR amosite*). To be included, articles needed to describe our primary outcome: Risk of prostate cancer after any asbestos exposure.
RESULTS
We included 33 studies with 15,687 cases of prostate cancer among 723,566 individuals. Asbestos exposure increased the risk of prostate cancer (effect size = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.15). When we considered mode of absorption, respiratory inhalation increased the risk of prostate cancer (1.10, 95% CI = 1.05-1.14). Both environmental and occupational exposure increased the risk of prostate cancer (1.25, 95% CI = 1.01-1.48; and 1.07, 1.04-1.10, respectively). For type of fibers, the amosite group had an increased risk of prostate cancer (1.12, 95% CI = 1.05-1.19), and there were no significant results for the chrysotile/crocidolite group. The risk was higher in Europe (1.12, 95% CI = 1.05-1.19), without significant results in other continents.
DISCUSSION
Asbestos exposure seems to increase prostate cancer risk. The main mechanism of absorption was respiratory. Both environmental and occupational asbestos exposure were linked to increased risk of prostate cancer.
CONCLUSION
Patients who were exposed to asbestos should possibly be encouraged to complete more frequent prostate cancer screening.
Topics: Asbestos; Asbestos, Amphibole; Asbestos, Serpentine; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Incidence; Inhalation Exposure; Male; Occupational Exposure; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Neoplasms; Ronidazole
PubMed: 32097115
DOI: 10.7812/TPP/19.086 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Jan 2023A cancer diagnosis can impact patients' and caregivers' lives, posing different challenging situations. In particular, breast cancer and prostate cancer are two types of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A cancer diagnosis can impact patients' and caregivers' lives, posing different challenging situations. In particular, breast cancer and prostate cancer are two types of cancer involving families and especially spouses in challenges linked with the diagnosis and treatment process. Caregivers are usually involved in the treatment decision-making (TDM) process concerning patients' clinical pathway, cancer treatment, and ongoing therapies. To date, no contributions provide an exhaustive overview of the role of caregivers in cancer care and their involvement in the TDM process related to the therapies.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of caregiver and patients experiences and perceptions of caregiver involvement in cancer TDM. Articles were searched on Public/Publisher MEDLINE (PubMed), Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), and American Psychological Association APA PsycINFO.
RESULTS
17 studies were included, 10 on prostate cancer and 7 on breast cancer. According to the reviewed studies, patients and caregivers experienced the cancer diagnosis with a sense of unity. Most patients preferred to have an active or collaborative role with caregivers in TDM, feeling it was important to consult or share the decision made with their caregivers. Caregivers preferred to collaborate with patients or let patients decide by themselves after considering their opinions. Caregiver involvement could have a positive influence on the patient's medical decisions, even if cancer diagnosis and treatments overwhelmed patients and caregivers.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings highlight the importance of using a perspective that focuses on the relationship between a patient and caregivers when they receive a cancer diagnosis and have to make a treatment decision. Targeting caregiver-patient dyads, rather than individuals, is important since a supported relationship could have a protective effect on psychological distress, quality of life (QOL), and relationship satisfaction. Moreover, dyads may benefit from interventions that focus on the needs of both the patient and caregiver.
Topics: Male; Humans; Quality of Life; Decision Making, Shared; Prostatic Neoplasms; Breast Neoplasms
PubMed: 36661710
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010061 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2023Association of cigarette smoking habits with the risk of prostate cancer is still a matter of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Association of cigarette smoking habits with the risk of prostate cancer is still a matter of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between cigarette smoking and prostate cancer risk.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science without language or time restrictions on June 11, 2022. Literature search and study screening were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Prospective cohort studies that assessed the association between cigarette smoking habits and the risk of prostate cancer were included. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We used random-effects models to obtain pooled estimates and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS
A total of 7296 publications were screened, of which 44 cohort studies were identified for qualitative analysis; 39 articles comprising 3 296 398 participants and 130 924 cases were selected for further meta-analysis. Current smoking had a significantly reduced risk of prostate cancer (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.68-0.80; P < 0.001), especially in studies completed in the prostate-specific antigen screening era. Compared to former smokers, current smokers had a significant lower risk of PCa (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.65-0.75; P < 0.001). Ever smoking showed no association with prostate cancer risk in overall analyses (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-1.00; P = 0.074), but an increased risk of prostate cancer in the pre-prostate-specific antigen screening era (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.10; P = 0.046) and a lower risk of prostate cancer in the prostate-specific antigen screening era (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99; P = 0.011) were observed. Former smoking did not show any association with the risk of prostate cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that the lower risk of prostate cancer in smokers can probably be attributed to their poor adherence to cancer screening and the occurrence of deadly smoking-related diseases, and we should take measures to help smokers to be more compliant with early cancer screening and to quit smoking.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022326464).
Topics: Male; Humans; Cigarette Smoking; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prospective Studies; Smoking; Prostatic Neoplasms; Habits
PubMed: 37316851
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16085-w