Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common tumor in aging men, and is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
Treatment options include watchful waiting, life-style modification, pharmacologic treatment, and surgery. Alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers (α-blockers) decrease LUTS and increase urinary flow rates in men with symptomatic BPH. 5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) decrease the production of dihydrotestosterone within the prostate, which results in decreased prostate volume. For patients with moderate to severe symptoms and a large prostate, combination therapy with α-blockers and 5-ARIs can further improve clinical efficacy of treatment. Numerous plant-based products (phytomedicines) are increasingly used as an alternative or complement the conventional medication. For some patients, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) or antimuscarinic agents may be added. Here, we discuss the current pharmacotherapy of BPH.
Written by:
Sun J, Zhang X. Are you the author?
Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, 358 Datong Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200137, China.
Reference: Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2014 Jan 1;19:789-97.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24389223
