03 Nov 5ARIs Found Not Linked To Increased Prostate Cancer Mortality

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Lauren P. Wallner

Lauren P. Wallner, PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Michigan
Adjunct Investigator
Kaiser Permanente Southern California
North Campus Research Complex
Ann Arbor, MI

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) are often used for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Two prior clinical trials found 5ARIs also reduced the risk of prostate cancer, but there was an increase in more aggressive (Gleason 7-10) cancers among the men who were diagnosed. Thus, concerns over whether 5ARIs may increase the risk of prostate cancer death have limited their use in the prevention of prostate cancer, which remains controversial. To address the safety of 5ARIs for the primary prevention of prostate cancer, we conducted a large population-based study of over 200,000 men in community practice settings of over a 19 year observation period to assess whether 5ARI use (as compared to alpha-blocker use) was associated with prostate cancer mortality.

Our results suggest that 5ARI use was not associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer mortality when compared to alpha-blocker use.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Our results confirm earlier reports that while a greater proportion of high-grade prostate cancers were diagnosed among men exposed to 5ARIs, this did not translate to an increased risk of prostate cancer death.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Increasingly, 5ARIs are being used in clinical practice at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis to alleviate symptoms and reduce prostate size. However, we know very little about whether 5ARIs influence the progression of prostate cancer after diagnosis. This would be an important area for future research.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors and the Risk of Prostate Cancer Mortality in Men Treated for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Wallner, Lauren P. et al.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings , Volume 0 , Issue 0 ,
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.07.023
Published online:October 27, 2016

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Last Updated on November 3, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD