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The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial

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Abstract

Background

Evidence suggests that both selenium and vitamin E reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) is a randomized, prospective, double-blind study designed to determine whether selenium and vitamin E alone and in combination can reduce the risk of prostate cancer among healthy men.

Materials and methods

The preclinical and epidemiological evidence supporting a role for selenium and vitamin E as chemopreventive agents in prostate cancer are reviewed, and details of the trial design are presented.

Results

Preclinical, epidemiological, and phase III data from randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials suggest that both selenium and vitamin E have potential efficacy in prostate cancer prevention. SELECT is a 2×2 factorial study with an accrual goal of 32,400 men with nonsuspicious DRE and serum PSA of 4 ng/ml or lower.

Conclusions

SELECT is the second large-scale study of chemoprevention for prostate cancer. Enrollment began in 2001 with final results anticipated in 2013.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Urologic Oncology, Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA

    Eric A. Klein

  2. Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Scott M. Lippman

  3. Division of Urology, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Ian M. Thompson

  4. Southwest Oncology Group Statistical Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA

    Phyllis J. Goodman

  5. Cancer Prevention Studies Branch, Division of Clinical Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Washington, DC, USA

    Demetrius Albanes & Philip R. Taylor

  6. Southwest Oncology Group, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Charles Coltman

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  1. Eric A. Klein
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  2. Scott M. Lippman
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Correspondence to Eric A. Klein.

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Klein, E.A., Lippman, S.M., Thompson, I.M. et al. The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial. World J Urol 21, 21–27 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-002-0314-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-002-0314-z

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