Study: Dutasteride slows progression of prostate cancer in low-risk men

Dutasteride (Avodart, GlaxoSmithKline) delays the progression of prostate cancer in men with low-risk prostate cancer, according to a new study.

The study by Neil E. Fleshner and other researchers at 65 academic medical centers or outpatient clinics was published in the January 24 online edition of The Lancet.

Researchers evaluated men between 48 and 82 years old who had low-volume, Gleason Score 5 to 6 prostate cancer and had chosen to be followed up with active surveillance. Participants were followed up for 3 years, with 12-core prostate biopsy samples obtained after 18 months and 3 years. The research was funded by GlaxoSmithKline.

By 3 years, 38% of 144 men in the dutasteride group and 48% of 145 in the control groups had prostate cancer progression. The incidence of adverse events – including sexual adverse events, breast enlargement, and cardiovascular events – was the about the same in both groups.

“Dutasteride could provide a beneficial adjunct to active surveillance for men with low-risk prostate cancer,” the researchers wrote.