LOWER levels of oestradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are significantly associated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), suggesting a potential role for sex hormones in its development, a new study found.
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies of the urinary system, accounting for around 5% of all adult cancers. Clear cell RCC, the most common subtype, is frequently diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70 years. Despite advancements in systemic therapies, long-term survival remains poor, particularly in cases of recurrence or metastasis following surgical resection. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying ccRCC is crucial to identifying new therapeutic strategies.
A study was conducted to investigate the relationship between serum sex hormone levels and ccRCC. Clinical data from 56 male patients with ccRCC and 82 male patients with simple renal cysts were collected between 2017–2023. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oestradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P), and testosterone (T) were measured and compared between the two groups. While no significant differences were observed in age, BMI, LH, PRL, P, or T levels, patients with ccRCC had significantly lower levels of E2 and FSH compared to those with simple renal cysts (p=0.024 and p=0.001, respectively). Logistic regression analysis further demonstrated a negative correlation between E2 levels and ccRCC (OR=0.968, p=0.027), indicating that decreased E2 may be linked to the disease’s development.
These findings suggest that sex hormones, particularly E2 and FSH, could play a role in ccRCC pathogenesis. This opens the possibility of exploring estrogen-based therapeutic approaches as a novel treatment strategy. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which these hormones influence tumour development and progression. In clinical practice, assessing E2 and FSH levels in patients at risk of ccRCC may provide additional insights into disease susceptibility. If future studies confirm a causal relationship, hormonal modulation could be considered as an adjunct treatment option.
Jenna Lorge, EMJ
Reference
Yu Z et al. The correlation between serum sex hormone levels and clear cell renal cell carcinoma in male patients. Sci Rep. 2025;DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-90983-4.
