Serum levels of 17-β-estradiol are not predictive of prostate cancer diagnosis and aggressiveness: Results from an Italian biopsy cohort

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between serum levels of 17-β-estradiol (17BE) and prostate cancer (PCa) risk in men undergoing prostate biopsy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 2006 and 2012, we prospectively enrolled 894 patients, with no history of PCa, undergoing prostate biopsy. Before biopsy was performed, general data, digital rectal examination (DRE), body mass index, 17BE, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were recorded. The risk of detecting cancer and high-grade cancer was assessed as a function of 17BE using crude and adjusted logistic regressions. RESULTS: Serum levels of 17BE were not associated with an increased risk of PCa or high-grade disease. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.07; P = 0.000), DRE(OR 2.81; 95% CI: 1.98-4.00; P = 0.000), and PSA(OR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.10; P = 0.000) were found to be independent predictors of PCa risk. Age (OR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.09; P = 0.007), DRE (OR 3.04; 95% CI: 1.79-5.17; P = 0.000), body mass index (OR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01-1.150; P = 0.040), and PSA (OR 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03-1.12; P = 0.000) were found to be independent predictors of high-grade disease. CONCLUSION: In our cohort of patients, serum levels of 17BE are not predictive of PCa or high-grade disease. In patients at risk of PCa, 17BE should not be considered a reliable marker to predict poorly differentiated PCa in the setting of initial prostate biopsy.