Prostate drug might cut cancer risk

Men who take Avodart (dutasteride) to treat an enlarged prostate apparently have a reduced risk for developing prostate cancer, a new study indicates.

Avodart and a similar drug, Propecia (finasteride), are technically classified as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. They suppress the potent male hormone dihydrotestosterone and thereby inhibit growth of the prostate in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as BPH.

Dr. Gerald L. Andriole from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, and colleagues used data from three recently completed trials to investigate whether dutasteride treatment, in comparison to treatment with an inactive placebo, had a meaningful effect on the rate of prostate cancer detection.

"We anticipate complete enrollment of the trial by the spring of 2005," Andriole said, "and results should be available after participating men complete 4 years of treatment and their end-of-study biopsies."

•	Prostate drug might cut cancer risk Reuters (UK), Friday, Oct. 15, 2004 Byline: Reuters Health

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