A five-alpha reductase inhibitor or an antiandrogen prevents the progression of microscopic prostate carcinoma to macroscopic carcinoma in rats

Abstract

Finasteride achieved dose-dependent inhibition of macroscopic rat prostate carcinogenesis, and casodex also inhibited macroscopic prostate carcinogenesis. However, both drugs showed insufficient prevention of carcinogenesis at the microscopic level. These findings indicate that, in clinical medicine as well, such drugs may also be able to prevent the progression of latent prostate carcinoma to life-threatening disease.