Prostate cancer, androgen deprivation treatment and covid-19 risk

Entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells partly depends on TMPRSS2, a transmembrane surface protein that is expressed in different tissues including in the lung. The protein is androgen-regulated and has been linked to aggressive prostate cancer. Androgen regulation may thus be a possible target for therapeutic intervention against SARS-CoV-2 and covid-19, and men with prostate cancer my consitute a high-risk group for covid-19. In light of this, we are conducting a cohort study in which we aim to compare the risks of covid-19 in prostate cancer patients with and without antiandrogen treatment, as well as in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Studies exploring the potential role of immunologic response profiles will be included.