Ciprofloxacin as a prophylactic agent against prostate cancer: A “two hit” hypothesis

More evidence indicate that prostate inflammation can lead to prostate cancer development. Prostate cancer affects elderly men. Prostate cancer prophylaxis is an important issue because life expectancy is very long now. Ciprofloxacin is an antibacterial agent used mainly in urinary tract infections and prostate inflammation. This drug acts also against cancer cells by the inhibition of topoisomerase II. These properties should allow it to inhibit the development of prostate cancer. Firstly, ciprofloxacin can stop the acute and chronic prostate inflammation which can lead to cancer development. Secondly, ciprofloxacin can potentially kill prostate cancer cells in their early stage of development. Ciprofloxacin accumulates mainly in the prostate after oral intake thus ciprofloxacin seems to be a perfect candidate as a prophylactic agent.