A study involving two dietary supplements commonly found in over-the-counter multi-vitamins may uncover a weapon in the fight against prostate cancer.

The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) is underway at Baptist Hospital East and more than 400 other sites across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Baptist East is one of only four Kentucky sites participating in the study to help determine if selenium and vitamin E may help prevent prostate cancer.

Laboratory studies have shown selenium and vitamin E may have a protective effect against certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer.

Urologists Kerry Short, MD, and Christopher Smith, MD, are the principal investigators for the SELECT trial, funded by the National Cancer Institute and coordinated by the Southwest Oncology Group.

"There are many advantages for men who participate in this trial. First of all, it is very safe. All of the men will be checked annually for prostate cancer and they will be contributing to science," Dr. Short said. "There will hopefully be an answer to the question 'Is there anything you can do to prevent prostate cancer.'"

Approximately 32,000 men nationally are participating in the SELECT trial, with more than 200 enrolled at Baptist East alone. During the double-blind, placebo-controlled research study, men were randomly selected to receive either: selenium, vitamin E, both selenium and vitamin E, or two placebos.

The study, which began in 2001, closed to new enrollees in 2004 when the goal of 32,000 men was reached.  The study will continue until the year 2013 when the men will learn what they have been taking and what they should be taking.  Participants are monitored closely with annual screenings at Baptist East consisting of a PSA blood test and a prostate exam.  Nationally, the Data and Safety Monitoring Committee closely monitors participants’ health in order to ensure proper conduct of the study and participant safety.  They are responsible for ensuring that the participants do not put themselves at any unnecessary risk.

Prostate cancer facts
Early detection is important in the treatment of prostate cancer. Men should receive annual prostate cancer examinations beginning at age 50. While there is no known cause of prostate cancer, factors such as family history, age, race and diet can increase the risk that prostate cancer will develop. African-Americans tend to develop prostate cancer at earlier ages than other races.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 400 men in Kentucky will die of prostate cancer this year and more than 2,800 new cases will be diagnosed. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men, and (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) is the most common form of cancer found in men.