Serum lipids as markers of prostate cancer occurrence and prognosis?

With the current epidemic of lipid-related disorders and prostate cancer (PCa) in western countries, there is growing interest in the potential causal relationship between lipids and PCa. PCa is a heterogeneous disease, which undermines researchers' ability to determine the mechanistic pathways responsible for its development and progression. Currently, detection and progression of PCa is mainly determined by prostate specific antigen, but this biomarker lacks specificity and is unable to discriminate between indolent and aggressive cancer. Nonetheless, there is evidence to suggest that lipid markers might potentially be useful in conjunction with other markers such as prostate specific antigen in improving detection and management of this disease. This review aims to highlight findings from epidemiological studies which examined the role of serum lipids in PCa occurrence and prognosis.