Three Considerations Before Advising 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors for Chemoprevention
June 2009
in “
Journal of Clinical Oncology
”
New to Finasteride? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study reports that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors do not prevent prostate cancer and merely reduce the likelihood of undergoing diagnostic biopsies, potentially misleading patients and physicians.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document discussed three key considerations regarding the use of 5-α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) for prostate cancer chemoprevention. It highlighted that 5-ARIs did not prevent prostate cancer but reduced the likelihood of men undergoing diagnostic biopsies by lowering prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by at least 50%, potentially creating a false sense of security. In the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), 25% fewer men on finasteride were diagnosed with prostate cancer, primarily because 15% fewer underwent biopsies. Among those who did have biopsies, the risk of a positive result was only reduced by 10%, with a non-significant 3% absolute difference compared to placebo. Therefore, finasteride did not significantly reduce cancer risk in men who were closely monitored and underwent biopsies due to elevated PSA or abnormal exams, which was the intended prevention setting.
