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Differential suppression of serum prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate‐specific antigen by 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitor
Author(s) -
Narayan P.,
Tewari A.,
Jacob G.,
Mahmood I.,
Gajendran V.,
Presti J.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
british journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 0007-1331
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1995.tb07424.x
Subject(s) - finasteride , medicine , prostatic acid phosphatase , urology , 5 alpha reductase inhibitor , hyperplasia , prostate specific antigen , prostate , cancer
Objective To evaluate the effect of finasteride (Proscar®) on the serum levels of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients and methods Thirty patients on finasteride therapy for BPH formed the study group. Serum PSA and PAP levels were monitored for 2 years while the patients were receiving finasteride. Results During 12 months of finasteride therapy the serum PSA was suppressed but serum PAP was unaffected. The baseline mean PAP value was 1.303 ng/mL prior to finasteride therapy; this changed to 1.510 ng/mL ( P =0.195) at 6 months and 1.166 ng/mL ( P = 0.383) at 12 months. The serum PSA was 2.630 ng/mL at baseline, 1.757 ng/mL ( P <0.001) at 6 months and 1.545 ng/mL ( P = 0.001) at 12 months. Conclusions Further studies are warranted to determine if PAP has a role as a tumour marker in patients whose PSA is suppressed as a result of finasteride therapy.