Abstract
Background: The etiology of prostate cancer (PCa) involves environmental and genetic factors. Understanding the role of medication use on PCa risk may clarify the pathophysiological changes and mechanisms in development of cancer.
Methods: This study investigated PCa risk in relation to overall use of anti-hypertensive drugs and those with specific mechanisms of action. The study cohort (78,615 men) was linked to the prescription database to obtain information on medication use during 20-year follow-up. Information was obtained on PCa diagnoses, causes of deaths, and for a sub-set on B.M.I. and use of non-prescription drugs. Time-dependent drug use variables hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox regression analyses.
Results: Use of antihypertensive drugs slightly increased PCa risk (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.11–1.22). The risk increase was clearest for metastatic PCa (HR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.14–1.62). ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics were all separately associated with a small excess risk (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01–1.19, HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.06–1.21, and HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.07–1.27, respectively). None of the other groups showed a clear association with PCa risk.
Conclusions: The use of antihypertensive drugs was associated with increased prostate cancer risk. Similar risk association for multiple drug groups suggests that the findings may not reflect a direct medication effect, but may be due to underlying hypertension.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflict of interest.
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Notes on contributors
Aino Siltari
KTaari, TT and AA conducted the original FinRSPC trial, thus forming the study cohort for the present study. KTalala was responsible for management and updating the data. TM designed the current study. AS and TM conducted the study and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. All other authors edited the manuscript.
Teemu J. Murtola
KTaari, TT and AA conducted the original FinRSPC trial, thus forming the study cohort for the present study. KTalala was responsible for management and updating the data. TM designed the current study. AS and TM conducted the study and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. All other authors edited the manuscript.
Kirsi Talala
KTaari, TT and AA conducted the original FinRSPC trial, thus forming the study cohort for the present study. KTalala was responsible for management and updating the data. TM designed the current study. AS and TM conducted the study and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. All other authors edited the manuscript.
Kimmo Taari
KTaari, TT and AA conducted the original FinRSPC trial, thus forming the study cohort for the present study. KTalala was responsible for management and updating the data. TM designed the current study. AS and TM conducted the study and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. All other authors edited the manuscript.
Teuvo L J. Tammela
KTaari, TT and AA conducted the original FinRSPC trial, thus forming the study cohort for the present study. KTalala was responsible for management and updating the data. TM designed the current study. AS and TM conducted the study and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. All other authors edited the manuscript.
Anssi Auvinen
KTaari, TT and AA conducted the original FinRSPC trial, thus forming the study cohort for the present study. KTalala was responsible for management and updating the data. TM designed the current study. AS and TM conducted the study and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. All other authors edited the manuscript.