TLDR 5α-reductase inhibitors may lower the risk of death from bladder cancer.
This retrospective cohort study, using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database, examined the impact of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) on urothelial carcinoma outcomes in 18,530 men with bladder cancer and 4,384 men with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. The study found that 5-ARIs recipients had a lower risk of bladder cancer-related death (OR 0.835, 95% CI 0.71–0.98) compared to nonusers. However, there was no significant difference in bladder cancer recurrence rates (OR 0.956, 95% CI 0.82–1.11) or upper tract urothelial carcinoma-related mortality (OR 0.814, 95% CI 0.6–1.1). The findings suggested that 5-ARIs could be a viable strategy to improve bladder cancer outcomes.
20 citations
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May 2018 in “The Journal of Urology” Men taking 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors before or after bladder cancer diagnosis had a lower risk of dying from the disease.
13 citations
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May 2018 in “Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations” Finasteride does not prevent bladder cancer.
13 citations
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September 2017 in “Life sciences” Androgens may influence bladder cancer progression by affecting cellular behavior.
March 2016 in “The Journal of Urology” The discovery of 5α-reductase deficiency in guevedoces led to the development of important urologic medications.
Higher doses of 5α-reductase inhibitors reduce mortality risk, while lower doses increase suicide risk.
28 citations
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August 2014 in “Cancer Causes & Control” Taking 5α-reductase inhibitors does not significantly increase the risk of breast cancer in men.
July 2025 in “Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health” 5α-reductase inhibitors effectively treat enlarged prostate and hair loss but require careful use due to possible side effects.
5α-reductase inhibitors effectively treat enlarged prostate and hair loss but require careful use due to possible side effects.
