EHK 2003;52(11): 724-7
Prof. Dr. med. Karl-Friedrich Klippel,
Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Ben L. Pfeifer
Summary
The increasing incidence rate for prostate cancer in the Western World combined with an ageing male population will create an enormous healthcare problem within the next 25 years. With its high prevalence, long latency, high incidence and significant morbidity and mortality, prostate cancer is an ideal target for chemoprevention. Developing rational chemopreventive strategies for prostate cancer requires in-depth knowledge of carcinogenesis, well-characterized agents, suitable cohorts, and reliable biomarkers of cancer. Choice of chemopreventive agent will depend on experimental or epidemiologic data demonstrating efficacy, good safety record with chronic administration, and a rationale for activity. Current promising agents include antiandrogens and antiestrogens; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, retinoids, vitamins D and E, selenium, carotenoids, soy isoflavones, 2-difluoromethylornithine, lipoxygenase inhibitors, apoptosis inducers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Several of these agents are now under evaluation in phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials.. (Read more (German))