Selenium and prostate cancer prevention: insights from the selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial (SELECT).

ABSTRACT: The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) was conducted to assess the efficacy of selenium and vitamin E alone, and in combination, on the incidence of prostate cancer. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial design clinical trial found that neither selenium nor vitamin E reduced the incidence of prostate cancer after seven years and that vitamin E was associated with a 17% increased risk of prostate cancer compared to placebo. The null result was surprising given the strong preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting chemopreventive activity of selenium. Potential explanations for the null findings include the agent formulation and dose, the characteristics of the cohort, and the study design. It is likely that only specific subpopulations may

SUBMITTER: Nicastro HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3705339 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature