Laurence Klotz

Prostate cancer, the most common human internal malignancy and the second most common cause of death in men, is likely highly preventable. The evidence for this is the 100-fold variation in incidence and mortality between races and regions, which is thought to be due, in part, to differences in dietary micronutrients. Dr. Klotz’s laboratory has been studying the effect of selected micronutrients—particularly capsaicin, metformin and several isoflavanoids—in the prevention of prostate cancer. In a preclinical model, which spontaneously develops prostate cancer by eight months of age, his team has demonstrated that supplementing food with these micronutrients results in a dramatic and profound reduction in the development of these cancers. The major thrust of Dr. Klotz’s research is to analyze the mechanisms by which these cancers are prevented.

His team analyzes the effect of these antioxidants on gene expression and molecules, which regulate cell growth. They are also interested in the relationship between the androgen receptor, a critical component of prostate cancer biology, and the response to micronutrients.

These studies will provide a scientific basis for the use of chemoprevention agents in prostate cancer. They will also provide some insight into the interaction between these agents. The studies will provide evidence as to whether patients with pre-neoplastic lesions of the prostate (i.e., PIN) benefit from micronutrients. This will have direct implications for men interested in preventing prostate cancer, and will provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the timing of initiation of preventive agents.

Dr. Klotz also has a long interest in the conservative management of prostate cancer, and is the principal investigator on a number of clinical trials evaluating the role of various interventions and imaging studies in men on active surveillance.

Education

• MD, 1977, University of Toronto, Canada
• FRCS(C), 1983

Appointments and Affiliations

• Affiliate scientist, Biological Sciences, Odette Cancer Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute
• Chair in Prostate Cancer Research, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and University of Toronto
• Chairman, World Urologic Oncology Federation
• Editor-in-chief (founding), Canadian Journal of Urology
• Editor emeritus, (founding), Canadian Urology Association Journal
• Honourary member of board, Prostate Cancer Canada
• Past president, Urologic Research Society