BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a genetically determined skin condition strongly age dependent and androgens are assumed to play an important role in its development.
A link between AGA and prostate cancer has been hypothesized because of their similar risk factors.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to systematically review the evidence available on the association between AGA and risk of prostate cancer.
METHODS: We searched the electronic databases MEDLINE and Cochrane for studies examining the association between AGA and risk of prostate cancer. We estimated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. We also analyzed the OR for individual hair loss patterns, as defined by the Hamilton scale.
RESULTS: A total of 7 case-control studies including 8994 patients-4078 cases and 4916 controls-were reviewed. One cohort study was identified but did not meet our inclusion criteria. There was statistically significant association between vertex baldness and prostate cancer (OR 1.25; 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.44; Z = 3.13; P = .002). No statistically significant association between AGA (any pattern) and prostate cancer was identified (OR 1.03; 95% confidence interval 0.93-1.13; Z = 0.55; P = .58).
LIMITATIONS: Only case-control studies, which may be subject to bias, met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS: Vertex pattern AGA was associated with a significant increased risk of prostate cancer. Any pattern AGA did not show a significant increase in the risk of prostate cancer.
Written by:
Amoretti A, Laydner H, Bergfeld W. Are you the author?
Hair Center, Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
Reference: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013 Feb 7. pii: S0190-9622(12)02302-X.
doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2012.11.034
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23395589
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