The Dihydrotestosterone Hypothesis of Prostate Cancer and Its Therapeutic Implications

    January 1986 in “ The Prostate ”
    Viadimir Petrow
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    TLDR The document suggests that targeting the hormone DHT could be a more effective treatment for prostate cancer than targeting testosterone.
    The document from 1986 supports the hypothesis that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the primary androgen responsible for the growth of prostate cancer, rather than testosterone (T). It suggests that androgen ablative therapy should focus on eliminating DHT while retaining circulating T, which could be achieved by using a 5α-reductase inhibitor like 6-methyleneprogesterone (6-MP). This approach is expected to serve as a prophylactic against prostate cancer, provide palliative treatment for hormone-responsive disease, and be compatible with other therapies. The document reviews the role of androgens in prostate cancer, the impact of newer knowledge on palliative therapy, and the importance of DHT in prostate growth. It also discusses current treatments and proposes that 5α-reductase inhibitors could be an effective therapy for prostate cancer with minimal side effects. The full impact of these new therapeutic approaches was yet to be determined at the time of publication. Specific data on the number of subjects involved in the studies referenced is not provided, so the strength of the conclusions cannot be assessed from this summary.
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      community Why is it that low testosterone causes hair loss as well? How can I be balding?

      in Chat  158 upvotes 5 months ago
      The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.

      community Saying creatine causes loss on fin/dut makes no sense and this is why

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  42 upvotes 8 months ago
      The conversation discusses whether creatine causes hair loss for those using finasteride or dutasteride, with some suggesting creatine might increase DHT or upregulate androgen receptors, potentially leading to hair loss. Others argue the evidence is not conclusive, citing limited studies and personal anecdotes, with some avoiding creatine as a precaution.

      community Why is dht bad for scalp hair but good for hair on the rest of body?

      in Satire  109 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses why DHT (dihydrotestosterone) negatively affects scalp hair but promotes growth elsewhere on the body. Various opinions include genetic predispositions, differences in hair follicle reactions to DHT, and the potential role of Omega-3 in reducing inflammation and promoting hair health.

      community Is this broscience? From More Plates, More Dates

      in Research/Science  22 upvotes 7 months ago
      The conversation discusses whether finasteride's reduction of DHT and increase in scalp testosterone contribute to hair follicle miniaturization. Some participants argue testosterone does not cause miniaturization, while others suggest that even with reduced DHT, other androgens like testosterone may still contribute to hair loss.

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