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Posted by on Feb 9, 2019 in Benign prostatic hyperplasia | 0 comments

In a nutshell

This study investigated the use of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) medications in relation to risk of prostate cancer. This study found that men using BPH medications had a lower risk of being diagnosed with PC. 

Some background

People diagnosed with BPH (non-cancerous overgrowth of the prostate) can be treated using medications. 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) such as finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) and α-blockers such as tamsulosin (Flomax) or doxazosin (Cardura) are medications used to treat symptoms of BPH. 

It is unclear if these medications have an effect on the chances of developing prostate cancer (PC). 

Methods & findings

This study included 24,012 patients. They were split into three groups. Group A had 4,571 men who used 5ARI. Group B used α-blockers and had 7,764 patients. Group C did not use medications and included 11,677 men.

Group A had a 40% lower risk of a PC diagnosis compared to group C. Group B had an 11% lower risk of a PC diagnosis compared with non-users. There was no difference in the occurrence of advanced PC or deaths due to PC. Risk of high-grade PC was higher in Groups A and B but this did not affect mortality. 

The bottom line

This study found that men using BPH medications had a lower risk of being diagnosed with PC. 

The fine print

This is a retrospective study (based on medical records) and is not the highest level of evidence. 

Published By :

BJU international

Date :

Sep 14, 2018

Original Title :

Impact of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors and α-Blockers for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia on Prostate Cancer Incidence and Mortality.

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