Beta Adrenergic Receptor Blockade as a Novel Therapy for Patients With Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate

Preclinical research has demonstrated that autonomic nerve fibers in the prostate gland regulate prostate cancer development and dissemination. Studies in human prostate cancer specimens indicate that higher densities of autonomic nerve fibers are associated with poor clinical outcomes. In this clinical trial the beta-blocker carvedilol will be given to men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Men will begin carvedilol following their diagnostic prostate biopsy and will continue carvedilol until prostatectomy. The primary outcome measure is the change in Ki-67 and TUNEL assay biomarkers in prostate biopsy and prostatectomy tissues.