Inflammation and Infection in the Etiology of Prostate Cancer

The role of infection and inflammation in the etiology of prostate cancer (PCa) is not entirely clear. Some evidence indicates that there are inflammatory lesions associated with PCa, which also correlate with prognosis. However, inflammation itself on biopsy does not always correlate with PCa. There are mechanisms to explain why inflammation could contribute to PCa, and some inflammatory genes that may be important. Evidence for specific inflammatory biomarkers is limited. The role of diet, and infection are not certain. The relationship of inflammation, and perhaps infection, likely involves inciting events in genetically susceptible people, influenced by their environment, to contribute to the development of PCa.