The endocrine profiles in men with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is now recognized as one of the principal medical problems facing male population and the commonest cancer in males in delevoped countries. The aim of this study was to find out whether serum hormone levels differ significantly in localized (pT2) and locally advanced (pT3-pT4 or N1) prostate cancer. METHODS: In 250 men (mean age +/- SEM: 63.8 +/- 0.4) who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for histologically confirmed prostate cancer were analyzed serum samples for total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, cortisol, sex hormone-binding globulin, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. Free testosterone content was calculated from total testosterone and SHBG concentrations. RESULTS: Significantly lower serum level of FSH, i.e. 5.63 +/- 0.31 vs. 7.07 +/- 0.65 U/L was found in patients with localized prostate cancer than in locally advanced (p < 0.05). Significant correlation was found between serum levels of DHEAS and cortisol in both groups (p < 0.02), estradiol and prolactin in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer, as well between LH and prolactin (p < 0.05). No differences were found in other observed hormones. CONCLUSION: The results point to importance of hormone status as possible additional prognostic marker for patients with prostate cancer. Considerable research is needed to further understand influence of hormones on prostate cancer.