Several genetic alterations have been associated with sporadic prostate cancer (PCa). In this study, the association betweenRsaIandDraIpolymorphisms ofCYP2E1and PCa risk was analysed in a case–control study of 227 individuals using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RegardingDraIpolymorphisms, the DD genotype is over-represented in PCa cases when compared with the control group (odds ratio (OR) 2.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–4.05;P=0.022). Regarding theRsaIpolymorphism, no significant differences were found. The results of this study indicate thatDraIpolymorphisms of theCYP2E1gene may be associated with a twofold increased risk for the development of PCa.