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Results from the previously published Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (JW Gen Med Jul 18 2003) showed that the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride lowered the 7-year incidence of prostate cancer by 6% compared with placebo; however, high-grade tumors were diagnosed more commonly in the finasteride group. Now, industry-sponsored researchers have conducted a similar study with another drug in this class — dutasteride (Avodart).
The study included nearly 7000 men (age range, 50–75) with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of 2.5 to 10.0 ng/mL and negative prostate biopsy results at baseline. Participants were randomized to receive daily dutasteride or placebo for 4 years; biopsies were performed routinely at 2 and 4 years and at other times …