PURPOSE: To evaluate parameters for determining repeat prostate biopsy in patients with 5α-reductase inhibitor (5ARI) treatment after initial negative biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2015, patients who underwent a repeat prostate biopsy after an initial negative biopsy were enrolled from multiple institutions. Serial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after the initial biopsy were analyzed for PSA kinetics. Clinicopathologic variables were evaluated according to the use of 5ARIs after the initial negative biopsy. RESULTS: Of 419 patients with initial negative biopsies (median age=67.0 years, median PSA=6.31 ng/mL), 101 patients (24.1%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer at the repeat biopsy. An increase in PSA level at 18 months, compared to that at 6 months, was a predictor of a positive repeat biopsy. However, the use of 5ARIs was not identified as a predictor. Of 126 patients receiving 5ARI treatment after the initial biopsy, 30 (23.8%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer at the repeat biopsy. Increase in PSA level at more than two time points after 6 months of 5ARI treatment (odds ratio=4.84, p=0.005) was associated with cancer detection at the repeat biopsy. There were no significant 5ARI group-related differences in the detection rates of prostate and high-grade cancers (Gleason score ≥7). CONCLUSION: The effects of 5ARIs on prostate cancer detection and chemoprevention remain uncertain. However, more than two increases in PSA level after 6 months of 5ARI treatment may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors/*therapeutic use ; Aged ; *Biopsy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kinetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Grading ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prostate-Specific Antigen/*blood ; Prostatic Neoplasms/blood/*drug therapy/*pathology

Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of finasteride and dutasteride treatments. The objective of this study was to investigate the structural changes in the penis using a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) rodent model treated with dutasteride or finasteride. Sixty male rats were divided into the following groups: C, untreated control rats; C + D, control rats receiving dutasteride; C + F, control rats receiving finasteride; H, untreated spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs); H + D, SHRs treated with dutasteride; and H + F, SHRs treated with finasteride. Treatments were performed for 40 days, and penises were collected immediately thereafter. The organs were analyzed using histomorphometric methods to determine the cross-sectional penile area, as well as the surface density (Sv) of smooth muscle fibers, connective tissue, elastic system fibers, and sinusoidal spaces of the corpus cavernosum. The results were compared using a one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's posttest. Groups C + D and C + F had a significantly smaller penile cross-sectional area, but more elastic system fiber Sv compared to Group C. Group C + D showed less smooth muscle Sv, and Group H showed more connective tissue but a smaller sinusoidal space Sv in the corpus cavernosum compared to Group C. Groups H + D and H + F had less smooth muscle Sv than Group H. Group H + D also had more connective tissue and elastic system fiber Sv than Group H. Both dutasteride and finasteride promoted penile modifications in the control rat penis, although this affect was greater in Group H animals. In this rodent model, dutasteride was the drug that most affected the corpus cavernosum.
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dutasteride/therapeutic use* ; Finasteride/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth/pathology* ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology* ; Penis/pathology* ; Prostate/pathology* ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/pathology* ; Rats

PURPOSE: To compare the current management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by urologists and nonurologists by use of Korean nationwide health insurance data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained patient data from the national health insurance system. New patients diagnosed with BPH in 2009 were divided into two groups depending on whether they were diagnosed by a urologist (U group) or by a nonurologist (NU group). RESULTS: A total of 390,767 individuals were newly diagnosed with BPH in 2009. Of these, 240,907 patients (61.7%) were in the U group and 149,860 patients (38.3%) were in the NU group. The rate of all initial evaluation tests, except serum creatinine, was significantly lower in the NU group. The initial prescription rate was higher in the U group, whereas the prescription period was longer in the NU group. Regarding the initial drugs prescribed, the use of alpha-blockers was common in both groups. However, the U group was prescribed combination therapy of an alpha-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as the second choice, whereas the NU group received monotherapy with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. During the 1-year follow-up, the incidence of surgery was significantly different between the U group and the NU group. CONCLUSIONS: There are distinct differences in the diagnosis and treatment of BPH by urologists and nonurologists in Korea. These differences may have adverse consequences for BPH patients. Urological societies should take a leadership role in the management of BPH and play an educational role for nonurologists as well as urologists.
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists/therapeutic use ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Databases, Factual ; *Disease Management ; Humans ; Insurance, Health ; Linear Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Physicians ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/*diagnosis/*therapy ; Republic of Korea ; Urology/*methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluated the safety and effect of the 120-W GreenLight HPS laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in different BPH populations.

METHODSThis study included 174 BPH patients treated by PVP using 120-W Green-Light HPS laser. According to the prostate volume (PV) ( < 80 or ≥ 80 ml), history of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) medication, and history of acute urinary retention (AUR), we divided the patients into a PV < 80 ml, a PV ≥ 80 ml, a 5-ARI, a no 5-ARI; an AUR, and a no AUR group. We collected the baseline, perioperative, and follow-up data about the patients, and compared them among different groups.

RESULTSThe patients were aged 69.4 ± 7.7 years, of whom PVP was successfully performed for 136 and PVP was intraoperatively converted to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the other 38, with a mean operation time of (49.4 ± 16.3) min. The preoperative PV averaged (67.9 ± 29.8) ml. There was no intraoperative blood transfusion, transurethral resection syndrome, or capsule perforation. Bladder neck contracture occurred in 2 cases and urethral stricture developed in another 2 postoperatively. All the patients showed a significant improvement in the prostatic function parameters and no significant differences were observed between the PV < 80 ml and PV ≥ 80 ml, 5-ARI and no 5-ARI, or AUR and no AUR groups.

CONCLUSIONPVP with 120-W GreenLight HPS laser is safe and efficient for the treatment of BPH and the its effect is not influenced by the prostate volume, history of 5-ARI medication, or history of AUR. However, preoperative urinary catheterization may increase the difficulty of surgery and the risk of conversion to TURP.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Aged ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Male ; Operative Time ; Organ Size ; Prostate ; pathology ; surgery ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; pathology ; surgery ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate ; Treatment Outcome ; Urethral Stricture ; etiology ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Retention

5-alpha reductase inhibitors decrease the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase. Trials on 5-alpha reductase inhibitors in prostate cancer prevention showed that they could significantly decrease the incidence of prostate cancer, but meanwhile increase high-grade cases as well. Recent studies demonstrated that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors could reduce not only the prostate volume but also the volume of Gleason grade 3 prostate cancer, which made easier the detection of higher-grade prostate cancer in the second biopsy. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors could also increase the sensitivity of prostate biopsy in detecting prostate cancer, particularly that of a higher grade. The evidence we have obtained leads to the conclusion that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors do not increase the incidence of high-grade prostate cancer, but on the contrary help its earlier detection.
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; prevention & control

Prostate cancer is one of the most common visceral malignancies in human. In recent years, its incidence has dramatically increased in China. 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors can block the biological effects of dihydrotestosterone by restraining the transformation from testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, and therefore can be used for the chemoprevention of prostate cancer. Two large clinical trials on the chemoprevention of prostate cancer (the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial and the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events) were completed in 2003 and 2008, respectively, bringing the global interests on this topic. However, the interpretations of these two trials and the possible recommendations on clinical applications remain controversial.
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Chemoprevention ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; prevention & control

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in older men. At present, 5alpha reductase inhibitor-based medication, preferred by most BPH patients as the first-choice therapy, is taking place of traditional transurethral resection of the prostate. This article presents an update of the researches on the treatment of BPH with dutasteride--a novel 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Azasteroids ; therapeutic use ; Dutasteride ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; drug therapy

PURPOSE: In Korea, there was no specific guidelines for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We reviewed the practice patterns of Korean urologists in the management of BPH and aimed to describe the need to develop specific guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A probability sample was taken from the Korean Urological Association Registry of Physicians, and a structured questionnaire, that explored practice patterns in the management of BPH, was mailed to a random sample of 251 Korean urologists. RESULTS: For the initial evaluation of BPH, most urologists routinely performed prostatic specific antigen (PSA) (96.4%), digital rectal exam (94.4%), international prostate symptom score (IPSS) (83.2%) and transrectal ultrasound (79.2%). Symptom assessment (36.4%) followed by transrectal ultrasound of prostate (TRUS) (20.0%) was considered as the most important diagnostic examination affecting the decision about individual treatment options. Almost all urologists (92.2%) chose medical treatment as the first-line treatment option for uncomplicated BPH with moderate symptoms. Of the respondents, 57.2% had prescribed alpha blocker and 41.6% alpha blocker plus 5-alpha reductase inhibitors as the medical treatment option for BPH. The prescription of 5-ARIs was dependent on the size of the prostate and the severity of symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results of our current survey provide useful insight into variations in the clinical practice of Korean urologists. They also indicate the need to develop further practical guidelines based on solid clinical data and to ensure that these guidelines are widely promoted and accepted by the urological community.
Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists/therapeutic use ; Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase/antagonists & inhibitors ; Data Collection ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/*diagnosis/*drug therapy ; Urology/statistics & numerical data

The present paper serves as a review of the associations between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), with a focus on common and combined pathways for treatment. LUTS and ED are common conditions seen in general urologic practice. Research has started to establish epidemiologic and pathophysiologic links between the two conditions and a strong association confirmed across multiple studies. Men seeking care for one condition should always be interviewed for complaints of the other condition. Proposed common pathways include alpha-1 adrenergic receptor imbalance, Rho-kinase overactivity, endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis-induced ischemia. Medical therapy has replaced surgery as the first-line treatment for LUTS in most patients, with the incorporation of alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists (alpha-ARAs) and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) into everyday practice. Treatment with alpha-ARAs contributes to some improvement in ED, whereas use of 5-ARIs results in worsened sexual function in some patients. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of ED with a simple oral regimen, and new insights demonstrate a benefit of combined use of PDE-5 inhibitors and alpha-ARAs. The mechanisms of action of these medications support these observed benefits, and they are being studied in the basic science and clinical settings. In addition, novel mechanisms for therapy have been proposed based on clinical and research observations. The minimally invasive and surgical treatments for LUTS are known to have adverse effects on ejaculatory function, while their effects on erectile function are still debated. Much remains to be investigated, but it is clear that the associations between LUTS and ED lay the foundation for future therapies and possible preventative strategies.
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors ; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Atherosclerosis ; complications ; Endothelium, Vascular ; Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; complications ; surgery ; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha ; physiology ; Urologic Diseases ; etiology ; therapy ; rho-Associated Kinases ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo compare the differences of the efficacy and different therapeutic drugs on the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in order to ensure the optimal indication for different BPH patients.

METHODSA randomized, parallel-controlled, multicenter clinical trial was conducted. From September 2002 to December 2003 906 BPH patients were enrolled into 7 therapeutic groups, including selective-adrenoceptor antagonist (terazosin, doxazosin tamsulosin and naftopidil), 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor (finasteride and epristeride) and natural product (cernilton). International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QOL), uroflowmetry, total prostatic volume (TPV) and transitional zone volume and residual urine were used as efficacy criteria.

RESULTSAccording to the baseline, the IPSS and Qmax were significantly correlated to the prostatic volume and transitional zone volume (P < 0.01). At average follow-up of 6 months, significant improvements in IPSS, QOL, Qmax and residual urine volume were observed in each therapeutic group, and no difference in IPSS improvement was found among the groups. Prostatic volume and transitional zone volume were significant decreased in 5alpha-reductase inhibitor groups (P < 0.05). In patients with baseline TPV greater than 35.5 cm3, the improvement of Qmax was more significant than that in patients with TPV less than 35.5 cm3 in finasteride group (P < 0.01) (5.7 ml/s and 2.2 ml/s respectively), and more significant symptomatic improvements were also found in cernilton, doxazosin and naftopidil group. In each group, the improvement of symptom were more significant in patients with IPSS higher than 20 points (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSEach drug observed in this study can improve the subjective and objective symptoms significantly for BPH patients, especially for patients with higher IPSS baseline. When using 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, prostatic volume can be decreased significantly and more obviously subjective and objective improvement can be found in the patients with TPV greater than 35.5 cm3.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors ; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Androstadienes ; therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Doxazosin ; therapeutic use ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Finasteride ; therapeutic use ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Naphthalenes ; therapeutic use ; Piperazines ; therapeutic use ; Plant Extracts ; therapeutic use ; Prazosin ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Prostate ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; drug therapy ; Quality of Life ; Secale ; Sulfonamides ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome