ABSTRACT

5-alpha reductase (5-AR) inhibitors are used in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is an important disease that decreases the quality of life in aging males. This review aimed to evaluate the current developments in 5-AR inhibitor treatment that was an important part of developing medical treatment of BPH. 5-AR inhibitors reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and requirement of surgery in BPH with higher volumes. Recent studies support the equal symptomatic efficiency of different 5-AR inhibitor drugs that reduces the progression of BPH with long term treatment. It was reported that 5-AR inhibitors has indication in hematuria associated with prostate tissue by regulating the angiogenesis process. There are recent findings that the progression may be reduced in patients with low risk prostate cancer with 5-AR inhibitors. Long-term 5-AR inhibitor treatment has better clinical outcomes in patients with BPH/LUTS despite of hormonal side effects of treatment. The effects on angiogenesis and relationship with prostate cancer of 5-AR inhibitor treatment are currently under investigation.