Finasteride for Prostatic Disease: An Updated and Comprehensive Review

November 2008 in “ Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology ”

Cosimo De Nunzio, Roberto Miano, Alberto Trucchi, Enrico Finazzi Agrò, Andrea Tubaro

finasteride steroid 5-alpha-reductase androgen benign prostatic hyperplasia Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Propecia

Studysummary This article reviews the use of finasteride for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and its chemopreventive potential for prostate cancer, but it calls for further discussion on its preventive use in high-risk groups. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The review discussed the use of finasteride, a potent inhibitor of steroid 5-alpha-reductase, in treating prostatic disorders by lowering androgen levels in the prostate. Clinical trials showed that finasteride improved symptoms and urinary flow in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial indicated finasteride's potential in preventing prostate cancer, though its use should be targeted at men with a higher risk of significant disease. Finasteride was recommended to be taken orally at a 5 mg daily dose.

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Research cited in this study

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A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Finasteride for Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Category IIIA Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis)

research A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Finasteride for Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Category IIIA Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis)

127 citations , May 2004 in “PubMed”

This randomized pilot study suggests that finasteride may benefit some men with category IIIA chronic pelvic pain syndrome, although it is not recommended as monotherapy unless benign prostatic hyperplasia is also present.

research The Long-Term Effect of Doxazosin, Finasteride, and Combination Therapy on the Clinical Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1707 citations , December 2003 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Combination therapy of doxazosin and finasteride safely and effectively reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia progression risk.

research 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors: What's New?

47 citations , January 2003 in “Current opinion in urology”

This review discusses recent advancements in understanding the use of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors for benign prostatic hyperplasia, indicating that dual isoenzyme inhibitors like dutasteride may enhance treatment outcomes, but no new clinical results are presented.

The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment Among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

research The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment Among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1054 citations , February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

In this study, men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who took finasteride for four years experienced reduced urinary symptoms, fewer surgeries, less acute urinary retention, increased urinary flow rates, and decreased prostate volume.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1040 citations , October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

In this study, 5 mg of finasteride per day significantly improved urinary symptoms and reduced prostate volume in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but increased the risk of sexual dysfunction.