Propecia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Propecia, including details on baldness, hair loss, side-effects, results.

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial showing that finasteride reduces prostatic vascularity rapidly within 2 weeks.

Donohue JF, Hayne D, Karnik U, Thomas DR, Foster MC

Department of Urology, Good Hope Hospital, Birmingham, UK. donohuej@mskcc.org

OBJECTIVE: To measure expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in the prostates of men after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) following 2 weeks of treatment with finasteride. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four men scheduled to undergo TURP were randomized to receive 5 mg of finasteride or placebo daily for 2 weeks before surgery. Sections of prostatic urothelium were stained for VEGF expression and for CD31 to assess MVD. Ten consecutive, non-overlapping high-power fields were analysed in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: In all, 31 men received finasteride and 33 placebo; the groups were similar in patient age, resected prostate weight, preoperative catheterization, prostate-specific antigen level, aspirin use, spinal anaesthesia and postoperative diagnosis of prostate cancer. The mean (95% confidence interval) MVD was significantly lower in the finasteride group (60, 55-65) than in the placebo group (71, 64-78; P < 0.01). Similarly, the mean expression of VEGF was significantly lower in the finasteride group (47, 43-52 vs 61, 54-67; P < 0.001) CONCLUSION: Finasteride inhibits angiogenic growth factors leading to reduced vascularity, and this is the basis of its action in reducing haematuria of prostatic origin. The present study shows that finasteride influences the prostatic microvasculature after only 2 weeks exposure.

Published 18 November 2005 in BJU Int, 96(9): 1319-22.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Propecia Research Today. All Rights Reserved.