PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Active surveillance is now one of the recommended treatment options for low-risk prostate cancer (PCa).
However, about 10-30% of men on active surveillance will progress and require definitive therapy. In this review, we examine the role of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) in secondary prevention among men with low-risk PCa who opted to be managed by active surveillance.
RECENT FINDINGS: Three retrospective studies and one randomized controlled trial have evaluated the role of 5-ARIs in preventing clinical progression among men followed by active surveillance. These studies largely support the role of 5-ARIs for secondary chemoprevention, although the drugs do not have an indication for this setting.
SUMMARY: 5-ARIs have been shown to play an important role in preventing clinical progression among men with low-risk PCa on active surveillance. However, in light of the US Food and Drug Administration recommendation against 5-ARIs for primary chemoprevention, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Patients should be made aware of this warning label before starting the drug.
Written by:
Richard PO, Finelli A. Are you the author?
Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Reference: Curr Opin Urol. 2014 May;24(3):324-8.
doi: 10.1097/MOU.0000000000000048
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24710052
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