TLDR 5α-reductase inhibitors may lower the risk of death from bladder cancer.
The study examined the effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) on urothelial carcinoma outcomes using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database, involving 18,530 men with bladder cancer and 4,384 men with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. It found that 5-ARIs recipients had a lower risk of bladder cancer-related death compared to nonusers, but there was no significant difference in bladder cancer recurrence rates or upper tract urothelial carcinoma-related mortality. The results suggested that 5-ARIs could potentially improve bladder cancer outcomes, although the study's retrospective nature and lack of data on confounding factors like smoking history limited the conclusions, highlighting the need for further research.
20 citations
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May 2018 in “The Journal of Urology” Men taking 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors before or after bladder cancer diagnosis had a lower risk of dying from the disease.
13 citations
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May 2018 in “Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations” Finasteride does not prevent bladder cancer.
13 citations
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September 2017 in “Life sciences” Androgens may influence bladder cancer progression by affecting cellular behavior.
March 2016 in “The Journal of Urology” The discovery of 5α-reductase deficiency in guevedoces led to the development of important urologic medications.
Higher doses of 5α-reductase inhibitors reduce mortality risk, while lower doses increase suicide risk.
28 citations
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August 2014 in “Cancer Causes & Control” Taking 5α-reductase inhibitors does not significantly increase the risk of breast cancer in men.
July 2025 in “Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health” 5α-reductase inhibitors effectively treat enlarged prostate and hair loss but require careful use due to possible side effects.
5α-reductase inhibitors effectively treat enlarged prostate and hair loss but require careful use due to possible side effects.
