Second to fourth digit ratio and prostate cancer severity

    Authors

    M. Waters; C. M. Rebholz; B. Wood; A. Kuske; M. McIntyre;O. Sartor

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis.

    Keywords

    digit ratio; 2D:4D; Gleason score; stage; FINGER-LENGTH PATTERNS; SEX; TESTOSTERONE; DIMORPHISM; OUTCOMES; Oncology; Urology & Nephrology

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: The ratio of the second to the fourth digit (2D:4D ratio) is a sexually dimorphic trait established in utero that differs between ethnic groups. It is associated with prenatal androgen exposure, and studies have evaluated the ratio as a marker for certain traits and disease states known to be associated with higher levels of in utero androgens, such as prostate cancer. There are currently no screening tools that stratify men with prostate cancer according to the severity of their disease. This study aims to investigate the 2D:4D ratio as a potential marker for prostate cancer severity. Our hypothesis was that lower digit ratios, representing higher in utero androgen exposure, would be associated with more severe disease. METHODS: Measurements were taken of the second and fourth digits of the right hand of male patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Gleason score, presence of metastasis, family history, age at diagnosis and race were recorded. The distribution of demographic and other patient characteristics were compared with digit ratios to determine relationships. RESULTS: African-American men with prostate cancer are 3.70 times more likely to have a low 2D:4D digit ratio than Caucasian men with prostate cancer (95% confidence interval: 1.98, 6.92; P < 00.0001). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of metastasis, Gleason score, family history or age at diagnosis by digit ratio. CONCLUSION: 2D:4D ratio shows strong differences between African-Americans and Caucasians; however, it does not correlate with disease severity in men already diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although this is a small population sample with possible confounding factors, it does not provide evidence to support the hypothesis that prenatal androgens affect prostate cancer grade or progression. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Disease (2013) 16, 106-109; doi:10.1038/pcan.2012.46; published online 13 November 2012

    Journal Title

    Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases

    Volume

    16

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    106

    Last Page

    109

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000314866700018

    ISSN

    1365-7852

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