The results from two large, prospective, randomized, controlled trials examining the role of 5-α reductase inhibitors in the prevention of prostate cancer have been published. Initial results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) were met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. The recently published REDUCE trial seems to corroborate the findings of the PCPT and reinforce the chemopreventive potential of 5-α reductase inhibitors. This article will assess the REDUCE trial and place the results of the 5-α reductase inhibitor trials in the context of clinical practice.
- Wesley M. White
- Edward D. Kim