Hormones

The hormone testosterone plays a key role in the development and maintenance of the prostate gland . Studies have shown that administration of testosterone can induce prostate cancer in rats. Also, men who have their testes removed before puberty (which results in a reduction in the amount of testosterone being produced) do not develop prostate cancer.

Several studies have looked for a link between blood testosterone levels and prostate cancer development, but results are inconclusive. Scientists are also looking for links with other sex hormones, such as di-hydrotestosterone , but again results are inconclusive, and further research is required.

Attention has turned to looking for alterations in the actual genes which are involved in the production of testosterone and other sex hormones, which may increase a man’s chance of developing the disease.

Researchers are also investigating a link between insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and prostate cancer development, but again, further investigation is required to understand any potential relationship.