Dutasteride (also known as Avodart or Duprost) appears to have a variety of beneficial effects in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), French researchers report.

BPH, an enlargement of the prostate gland, is a common problem among older men that can cause symptoms such as frequent urination and a weak urine stream. The problem can be effectively treated with a number of medications, but in more severe cases surgery is required.

Dr. Francois Desgrandchamps of Hopital Saint Louis, Paris and associates note that dutasteride has done well in research trials, providing significant improvements in symptoms and urinary flow, and has led to significant reductions in prostate size and the need for surgery. In addition, the drug appeared to be well tolerated with few side effects.

To find out if these benefits extended to patients in routine clinical practice, the researchers conducted a study with 366 men with BPH. All received dutasteride daily for 6 months.

By the end of the study, 72.5 percent of patients had at least a 3-point reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score, a standard measure of BPH symptoms. On average, the score fell from 15.3 at the start of the study to 10.2 at 12 weeks and to 9.1 after 24 weeks, the researchers report in the medical journal BJU International.

Desgrandchamps’ group found that quality of life scores also improved, as did measures of patient discomfort and satisfaction. The drug was well tolerated.

The investigators conclude that it is “interesting and encouraging” that the benefits of the drug seen in controlled clinical trials “are achievable and might actually be even greater in real-life clinical practice.”

SOURCE: BJU International, July 2006.