Despite advances in the detection and management of
prostate cancer, this disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in men. Increasing attention has focused on the role of
chemoprevention for
prostate cancer, i.e., the administration of agents that inhibit one or more steps in the natural course of prostate
carcinogenesis. We review
prostate cancer chemoprevention studies in Europe. Published studies were identified in a search of MEDLINE. Information about ongoing studies was provided by author access to protocols. A variety of
chemoprevention studies have focused on the role of dietary factors,
vitamins, and
trace elements in
prostate cancer. Some of these studies have been prospective, randomized, and double-blinded, while others have used retrospective or epidemiological approaches. Large-scale randomized studies are also evaluating the role of 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, which inhibit the conversion of
testosterone to the more potent
androgen dihydrotestosterone. Robust evidence is lacking for the value of chemopreventive agents in
prostate cancer. Current evidence does suggest that
vitamin E and
selenium may have a role in
prostate cancer chemoprevention. Data from two studies, one examining the type 1 5alpha-reductase selective inhibitor
finasteride and the other using the dual 5a-reductase inhibitor
dutasteride, will determine the benefits of
androgen inhibition strategies for
prostate cancer chemoprevention.