Background. Evidence suggests that both selenium and vitamin E reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) is a randomized, prospective, double-blind study designed to determine whether selenium and vitamin E alone and in combination can reduce the risk of prostate cancer among healthy men.

Materials and methods. The preclinical and epidemiological evidence supporting a role for selenium and vitamin E as chemopreventive agents in prostate cancer are reviewed, and details of the trial design are presented.

Results. Preclinical, epidemiological, and phase III data from randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials suggest that both selenium and vitamin E have potential efficacy in prostate cancer prevention. SELECT is a 222 factorial study with an accrual goal of 32,400 men with nonsuspicious DRE and serum PSA of 4 ng/ml or lower.

Conclusions. SELECT is the second large-scale study of chemoprevention for prostate cancer. Enrollment began in 2001 with final results anticipated in 2013.