Context:

More than half the male population aged >50 yr have histologic evidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), while prostate cancer (PCa) is among the most commonmale cancers according to recent registry data. Understanding the aetiologies of both conditions is crucial to reduce the resulting burden of mortality and morbidity.

Objective:

This review aims to examine the available data on the epidemiology, pathology, risk factors, and genetic markers involved in BPH and PCa; to discuss their clinical implications for management of both conditions; and to discuss their implications for PCa prevention. Our primary objective was to clarify the relationship between BPH and PCa by bringing together evidence from diverse areas of research.

Evidence acquisition:

The primary source of data was PubMed, which was searched using Boolean strategies and by scanning lists of related articles. We also examined secondary sources from reference lists of retrieved articles and data presented at recent congresses.

Evidence synthesis:

Accumulating evidence suggests that BPH and PCa share important anatomic, pathologic, and genetic links in addition to the well-established epidemiologic association between these conditions. We also found data that suggest interactions between apparently diverse factors, such as dihydrotestosterone levels and inflammation. Recent publications support the hypothesis that both BPH and PCa are part of the metabolic syndrome, while inflammation is emerging as a major contributor to the development of both BPH and PCa. Although many of the findings are preliminary and require further research, they offer new insight into the mechanisms of disease underlying the development of BPH and PCa.

Conclusions:

Available data suggest that epidemiologic and pathologic links exist between BPH and PCa. Evidence of links between the conditions and contributory factors may offer common preventative strategies for BPH and PCa and common therapeutic approaches to their management.