Do 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Affect Prostate Cancer Mortality?

In a large cohort study, these drugs were associated with lower prostate cancer–related mortality.

The 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs; finasteride and dutasteride) effectively reduce symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but their effect (if any) on prostate cancer remains controversial. In randomized trials, these drugs decreased risk for low-grade prostate cancer and modestly increased risk for high-grade prostate cancer; however, many experts believe the latter finding was a result of detection bias (NEJM JW Gen Med Jan 15 2019 and J Natl Cancer Inst 2018; 110:1208 and 1216).

In this population-based cohort study from Stockholm, Sweden, researchers examined prostate cancer mortality in 350,000 men, 8% of whom were prescribed 5-ARIs. During median follow-up of 8 years, men who took 5-ARIs for longer than 2 years had si…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Do 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Affect Prostate Cancer Mortality?

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Reviewing Author