New Data Show Benefit of Finasteride in Preventing Prostate Cancer

Recently two new studies have re-evaluated a 2003 study at the Department of Urology at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio and its conclusion related to use of finasteride for prostate cancer prevention. The old study conclusions suggested that while finasteride reduced prostate cancer risk by 25 percent, it appeared to increase development of more aggressive prostate cancer in some men. Because of this concerns, since the study’s original publication in 2003, few doctors have recommended finasteride for prostate cancer prevention.

This recent comprehensive re-evaluation produced new findings suggesting that men and their doctors should consider a more aggressive approach that includes finasteride to prevent the development of prostate cancer.

A pathologic analysis of that same study sheds light on the significance of the cancers found in that study. Additionally, this study highlights the role of prostate specific antigen (PSA) scores in treatment decision-making. Researchers found that even those men who have a low PSA screening value can have cancer that is difficult to cure.

The two studies will be published online in advanced of the June 2008 issue of Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.