Androgens and the molecular epidemiology of prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Despite clinical and experimental evidence that show androgens are important in prostate carcinogenesis, epidemiologic studies of serum androgens have been inconclusive. In this review, we summarize the current state of the literature and provide insights and direction for epidemiologic research on androgens and prostate cancer.


RESULTS
To date, data on serum androgens in prostate cancer remain inconclusive. Large studies on variants in some androgen-metabolizing genes [SRD5A2, CYP17A1, and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD)17B1] do not show a convincing links to prostate cancer, though there are insufficient data to draw conclusions on other genes related to androgen metabolism, including UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGT), sulfotransferases (SULT), CYP3A, and estrogen-related genes. There is some evidence, although controversial, suggesting that select variants may confer risk to certain subtypes of prostate cancer. The most notable finding in 2007 is the highly reproducible link between the chromosome 8q24 risk region and prostate cancer susceptibility.


CONCLUSIONS
Besides the link between the 8q24 region and prostate cancer risk, population studies do not convincingly show that polymorphisms in androgen metabolism genes are associated with prostate cancer risk. Large epidemiologic studies with comprehensive gene coverage and reliable exposure data are needed to clarify further the role of androgens and their related genes in prostate cancer.
Chu
Lisa W
LW
Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Reichardt
Juergen Kv
JK
Hsing
Ann W
AW
D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011467:Prostate / Q000503:physiopathology; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D000728:Androgens; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor