PURPOSE Agent Orange exposure (AOe) is a potential risk factor for the development of prostate cancer (PCa). However, it is unknown whether AOe specifically increases the risk of lethal PCa. This study aimed to determine the association between AOe and the risk of detecting high-grade PCa (HGPCa, Gleason ≥ 7) on biopsy in a US Veteran cohort. METHODS Risk factors included clinico-demographic and laboratory data from veterans referred for an initial prostate biopsy. Outcomes were defined as the presence versus the absence of PCa, HGPCa, or low-grade PCa (LGPCa, Gleason ≤6) in biopsy specimens. Risk amongst AOe veterans relative to unexposed veterans was estimated with multivariate logistic regression. Separate models determined whether AOe was associated with an increased risk of PCa, HGPCa or LGPCa. RESULTS Of 2720 Veterans biopsied, PCa was diagnosed in 896 (32.9%); 459 (16.9%) had HGPCa. AOe was associated with a 52% increase in overall risk of PCa detection (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.07–2.13). AOe did not confer an increase in risk of LGPCa (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.91), although a 75% increase in risk of HGPCa (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.74) was observed. AOe was associated with a 2.1 fold increase (95% CI: 1.22 to 3.62, p<0.01) in Gleason 8 or higher PCa. CONCLUSION The increased risk of PCa associated with AOe is driven by an increased risk of HGPCa in men undergoing initial prostate biopsy. These findings could aid in improved PCa screening for Vietnam-era Veterans.
178 Background: Agent Orange (AO), a defoliate contaminated with the known carcinogen dioxin, has become a prominent concern as veterans of the Vietnam War who were exposed to AO are now reaching the age at which prostate cancer is most prevalent. While sufficient evidence has linked AO exposure to many diseases, only limited but suggestive evidence exists to support a positive association between AO and prostate cancer. Despite mixed findings, recent studies have found that the risk of prostate cancer in those exposed to AO was as high as twice the risk in those not exposed. The goal of this study was to examine this association between AO exposure and prostate cancer in a cohort of men referred for a prostate biopsy. Methods: In this retrospective cohort-design, risk factors were identified using historical clinical data from a population of veterans referred to the Portland VA Hospital for a prostate biopsy between 1993 and 2010. In addition to AO exposure, covariates included prostate specific antigen density (PSAD), results of the digital rectal exam (DRE), age at biopsy, family history, body mass index (BMI), race, and medication use. Outcomes of the biopsies were defined as either positive or negative according to the pathology report and risk factors were compared between individuals found to have prostate cancer and those without cancer. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of AO on risk of prostate cancer after adjustment for confounders. Results: Of the 2,720 veterans who underwent prostate biopsy, 896 (32.9%) were found to have prostate cancer. After adjustment for significant confounders including PSAD, DRE, age at biopsy, and family history of prostate cancer, veterans with prostate cancer were 49% more likely to have been exposed to AO as compared to those without prostate cancer (odds ratio = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.06-2.11, p=0.022). Conclusions: Agent Orange exposure was associated with a significant increase in prostate cancer detection in men referred for a prostate biopsy. The limitations in identifying biologically significant levels of AO exposure in this study may suggest potential for underestimation of the true risk. This study supports the findings of recent studies suggesting that AO exposure increases the risk of prostate cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.