Analysis of Data From Breast Diseases Treated With 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
October 2019
in “Clinical Breast Cancer”
TLDR Medicines for enlarged prostate may raise the risk of breast growth and tenderness but not breast cancer.
In a meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 37,851 patients, the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) like dutasteride and finasteride for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia was associated with a significantly increased risk of gynecomastia and breast tenderness compared to placebo and alpha-blocker monotherapy. The risk of gynecomastia was 1.79 times higher with 5ARIs than placebo, and the risk of breast tenderness was 2.85 times higher. Combination therapy with 5ARIs and alpha-blockers also showed a higher prevalence of breast tenderness compared to alpha-blockers alone. However, the study did not find a significant increase in the risk of breast cancer associated with 5ARIs use. Despite the effectiveness of 5ARIs in treating BPH symptoms, the increased risk of breast-related side effects was a concern, with dutasteride potentially causing more cases of gynecomastia than finasteride. Further research was suggested to confirm the long-term risk of breast cancer with 5ARIs use.
View this study on clinical-breast-cancer.com →
Cited in this study
research Sexual Dysfunction in Subjects Treated with Inhibitors of 5α-Reductase for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis
Men taking 5α-reductase inhibitors for enlarged prostate have a higher chance of experiencing reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.
research Finasteride treatment and male breast cancer: a register-based cohort study in four Nordic countries
Finasteride use may increase the risk of male breast cancer.
research The efficacy and safety of 5α-reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia: a network meta-analysis and benefit–risk assessment of finasteride and dutasteride
Finasteride and dutasteride effectively treat hair loss, but may cause side effects like sexual dysfunction and depression.
research A randomized, active- and placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of different doses of dutasteride versus placebo and finasteride in the treatment of male subjects with androgenetic alopecia
Dutasteride 0.5 mg works better than finasteride and placebo for increasing hair in men with hair loss.
research Finasteride use in the male infertility population: effects on semen and hormone parameters
Finasteride can reduce fertility in some men, but stopping it increases sperm count.
research Side Effects of 5‐Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review
5-alpha reductase inhibitors slightly increase the risk of sexual and mood side effects, and breast growth in men.
research Finasteride induced gynecomastia: Case report and review of the literature
Finasteride for hair loss may cause gynecomastia; doctors should inform patients.
research The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition with Dutasteride and Finasteride on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormones in Healthy Men
Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.
research The Long-Term Effect of Doxazosin, Finasteride, and Combination Therapy on the Clinical Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Combination therapy of doxazosin and finasteride safely and effectively reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia progression risk.
research Unilateral Gynecomastia Induced by Treatment With 1 mg of Oral Finasteride
Finasteride can cause one-sided breast enlargement, which disappears after stopping the drug.
research The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Finasteride reduces urinary issues and surgery need in men with enlarged prostates by over 50%.
research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.
Related
research What do we know about 5-alpha reductase inhibitors?
5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride are effective for treating enlarged prostate and male pattern hair loss.