Here are good news from the European Urology published online 25 January 2011. This is from the world’s leading publisher of science and health information, Elsevier, based in Amsterdam, probably the most recognized reliable source of medical information in the world.
The news relate to a study named “The Use of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors (5-ARI) for the Prevention and Treatment of Prostate Cancer”.It was done in 389 patients on Active Surveillance (Watchful Waiting), on a long period of 15 years (1995 to 2010). The patients were initially diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, meaning that they belong to the wider population of cases in recent years.
They have found that patients taking a 5-ARI experienced lower rates of progression (18.6% vs 36.7%).
The traditional (Finasteride and Dutasteride) drugs are inexpensive, do not interact with usual medication and have low (or zero) side effects in comparison with radical treatments QoL.
You can read the article here;
http://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838(11)00049-2/fulltext
In the full text from European Association of Urology, they comment that since the PSA testing “revolution”, it is estimated that 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer, but it is believed that only1in34 will die from the cancer.
Because of that,
“…There has been debate about the best management strategy for localized prostate cancer, and given that surgery and radiation have an adverse impact on quality of life, active surveillance has emerged as a popular strategy. Low-risk prostate cancer, defined as a PSA level < 10 ng/ml, stageT1c–T2a, and Gleason score <6, accounts for approximately 50% of newly diagnosed prostate cancers…..”
“….The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence both suggest that active surveillance be considered a first-line treatment strategy in low-risk disease…”
In commenting about the 5-ARI study, the EAU says;
“…….”Despite slight differences in study design, both 5-ARIs (finasteride and dutasteride) were associated with an approximately 25% relative reduction in prostate cancer diagnoses compared with placebo. Given the benefits of the 5-ARIs, it has been hypothesized that they may delay or prevent progression of low-risk prostate cancer
Here is the full text;
http://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838(10)01196-6/pdf/Impact+of+5-Reductase+Inhibitors+on+Men+Followed+by+Active+Surveillance+for+Prostate+Cancer
I posted this thread in other forums because I believe that it should be informative to a wider community of newbies.
Wishing well to everybody
Baptista 
Post Edited (Baptista) : 2/15/2011 12:28:35 PM (GMT-7)