TLDR 5α-reductase inhibitors don't stop bladder cancer from developing or getting worse.
The document from December 14, 2020, presents findings from an in vitro study which determined that 5α-reductase inhibitors (5α-RIs) such as dutasteride, finasteride, and epristeride do not prevent the development or progression of urothelial cancer. The study used a human non-neoplastic urothelial cell line and human bladder cancer lines to assess the effects of these drugs. While the androgen receptor antagonist bicalutamide significantly inhibited the proliferation of AR-positive bladder cancer cells, the 5α-RIs did not have a significant effect on inhibiting cell migration or the neoplastic transformation of cells treated with testosterone. The conclusion drawn was that 5α-RIs, even at high doses, do not impact the prevention of tumorigenesis or tumor progression in urothelial cancer.
4 citations,
December 2019 in “Minerva Urology and Nephrology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may reduce bladder cancer recurrence and improve survival.
9 citations,
August 2019 in “Clinical genitourinary cancer” Taking 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors before bladder removal surgery might make high-grade bladder tumors less aggressive.
20 citations,
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,
May 2018 in “Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations” Finasteride does not prevent bladder cancer.
13 citations,
September 2017 in “Life sciences” Androgens may influence bladder cancer progression by affecting cellular behavior.
3 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of drug assessment” Taking five small dutasteride capsules is the same as taking one larger capsule.
260 citations,
July 2010 in “Cell” Mutations in the SRD5A3 gene cause a new type of glycosylation disorder by blocking the production of a molecule necessary for protein glycosylation.
408 citations,
May 2004 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Dutasteride more effectively lowers DHT levels in men with enlarged prostates than finasteride.
June 2023 in “Clinica Chimica Acta” Finasteride and dutasteride effectively reduce DHT in hair, which may help evaluate their treatment success for hair loss.
January 2018 in “Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride are effective for treating enlarged prostate and male pattern hair loss.
27 citations,
March 2017 in “Current Clinical Pharmacology” Dutasteride is becoming a popular hair loss treatment, proving more effective than finasteride with similar side effects.
8 citations,
January 2016 in “Indian Journal of Pharmacology” Finasteride and dutasteride can cause severe, lasting side effects.