Finasteride in the Year 2006

The 2003 Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) involving 18,000 men found that finasteride reduced prostate cancer risk by 24.8% but was associated with a higher prevalence of high-grade tumors and increased sexual side effects. The study raised questions about whether the increased high-grade tumors were due to biological differences or study artifacts, suggesting further research was needed. The document discussed the role of finasteride in prostate cancer prevention, emphasizing the need for clarity on the ideal population, timing, and duration for its use, given the benefits and adverse effects. Unresolved questions about finasteride's utility and patient management were acknowledged.