The role of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors in active surveillance - Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:Active surveillance is now considered one of the preferred treatments for men with favorable risk prostate cancer (PCa).

Unfortunately, 30-50% of men choosing active surveillance will progress and require therapy. In this context, we will present recent data on the efficacy of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) in secondary prevention among men with low-risk PCa choosing active surveillance.

RECENT FINDINGS: Two recent studies including a multicenter randomized controlled study demonstrate that 5-ARI may reduce the rate of clinical progression in low-risk PCa.

SUMMARY: 5-ARIs may play an important role in secondary prevention in low-risk PCa. These results should be interpreted with caution in view of the recent US Food and Drug Administration recommendation against PCa chemoprevention labeling for 5-ARIs.

Written by:
Margel D, Fleshner N. Are you the author?
Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Reference: Curr Opin Urol. 2012 May;22(3):243-6.
doi: 10.1097/MOU.0b013e328351dd57

PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22472511

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