PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To determine whether alpha-blockers, commonly used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, are associated with prostate cancer risk.
RECENT FINDINGS: Alpha-blockers have been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer aggressiveness in some observational studies and an increased risk in other studies. However, this relationship is complex as different alpha-blockers have divergent effects in laboratory studies and there are many confounders in daily practice such as differential screening practices.
SUMMARY: Both benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are common conditions in the aging male population, such that an interaction between alpha-blockers and prostate cancer risk is clinically relevant. Prospective evidence is necessary to establish a definitive link.
Written by:
Loeb S, Gupta A, Losonczy L, Tosoian J, Walsh PC. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, New York University, New York, New York, USA.
Reference: Curr Opin Urol. 2013 Jan;23(1):2-4.
doi: 10.1097/MOU.0b013e32835abcf2
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23159990
