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HERO ID
6773931
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
The Epidemiology of Selenium and Human Cancer
Author(s)
Vinceti, M; Filippini, T; Cilloni, S; Crespi, CM
Year
2017
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Advances in Cancer Research
ISSN:
0065-230X
Volume
136
Page Numbers
1-48
Language
English
PMID
29054414
DOI
10.1016/bs.acr.2017.07.001
Web of Science Id
WOS:000414513400002
Abstract
The relation between selenium and cancer has been one of the most hotly debated topics in human health over the last decades. Early observational studies reported an inverse relation between selenium exposure and cancer risk. Subsequently, randomized controlled trials showed that selenium supplementation does not reduce the risk of cancer and may even increase it for some types, including advanced prostate cancer and skin cancer. An increased risk of diabetes has also been reported. These findings have been consistent in the most methodologically sound trials, suggesting that the early observational studies were misleading. Other studies have investigated selenium compounds as adjuvant therapy for cancer. Though there is currently insufficient evidence regarding the utility and safety of selenium compounds for such treatments, this issue is worthy of further investigation. The study of selenium and cancer is complicated by the existence of a diverse array of organic and inorganic selenium compounds, each with distinct biological properties, and this must be taken into consideration in the interpretation of both observational and experimental human studies.
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