The use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Eric H. Kim, John A. Brockman, Gerald L. Andriole

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

64 Scopus citations

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)is characterized by an enlarged prostate, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and a decreased urinary flow rate. Common in older men, BPH is a progressive disease that can eventually lead to complications including acute urinary retention (AUR)and the need for BPH-related surgery. Both normal and abnormal prostate growth is driven by the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is formed from testosterone under the influence of 5-alpha reductase. Thus, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs)effectively reduce the serum and intraprostatic concentration of DHT, causing an involution of prostate tissue. Two 5-ARIs are currently available for the treatment of BPH—finasteride and dutasteride. Both have been demonstrated to decrease prostate volume, improve LUTS and urinary flow rates, which ultimately reduces the risk of AUR and BPH-related surgery. Therefore, either alone or in combination with other BPH medications, 5-ARIs are a mainstay of BPH management.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)28-32
Number of pages5
JournalAsian Journal of Urology
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2018

Keywords

  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • Lower urinary tract symptoms

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