ORLANDO, FL, May 18, 2008 –Poor cholesterol management may not only affect a man’s risk for prostate cancer, but also his risk of biomedical recurrence after prostatectomy, according to new data from Duke University. Researchers, presenting today at the 103rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA), identified 471 patients from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1998 and 2007 and found that those with a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and those with increased serum cholesterol were up to 2.5 times more likely to experience a biochemical relapse. Researchers presented their findings to reporters in a special press conference on May 18, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
Researchers employed Cox proportional hazard analysis to examine the relationships between cholesterol, LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels with biomedical recurrence independent of factors such as age, race, statin drug use and body mass index.
This study, along with other research that has linked obesity to prostate cancer, magnifies the importance of diet and exercise in achieving sound urologic health. As many urologic conditions can be linked to cardiovascular problems, high cholesterol is a major concern and should be monitored.
In addition to the author, J. Brantley Thrasher, M.D., will be on hand to answer questions and provide third-party perspective on the study.
NOTE TO REPORTERS: Experts are available to discuss these studies outside normal briefing times. To arrange an interview with an expert, please contact the AUA Communications Office at the number above or e-mail Wendy Isett at wisett@auanet.org.
Banez LL, Hamilton RJ, Aronson WJ, Terris MK, Presti JC, Kane CJ et al: Higher Cholesterol Increases the Risk of Biochemical Failure after Radical Prostatectomy: Results from the SEARCH Database Group. J Urol, suppl., 2008; 179: 68, abstract 192.
About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 15,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs for members and their patients, including UrologyHealth.org, an award-winning on-line patient education resource, and the American Urological Association Foundation, Inc.
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