The Rationale for Inhibiting 5α-Reductase Isoenzymes in the Prevention and Treatment of Prostate Cancer

The review article discussed the role of inhibiting 5α-reductase isoenzymes in preventing and treating prostate cancer, emphasizing that androgens like dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are crucial for prostate growth and disease. Increased expression of 5α-reductase isoenzymes, particularly type 1, was linked to prostate cancer progression. Finasteride and dutasteride, inhibitors of these enzymes, were examined, with finasteride shown to reduce the 7-year risk of prostate cancer, while ongoing studies were evaluating dutasteride's effectiveness. The article concluded that inhibiting 5α-reductase could be a valid strategy for reducing prostate cancer risk and improving treatment outcomes.