The effect of dutasteride on the efficacy of photoselective vaporization of the prostate: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study (DOP trial).
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of Dutasteride on the efficacy of GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PV). Some investigators have suggested that 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors may interfere with PV by reducing intraprostatic blood flow. Dutasteride offers the most complete blockade of the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, with minimal increase in side effects.


METHODS
This is a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study. A total of 59 patients were randomized to either dutasteride 0.5 mg or placebo for 3 months before and 12 months after PV. Surgical time, joules used, estimated blood loss, and ease of the procedure were compared. Other clinical end points investigated include postsurgical catheter time, hematuria, dysuria, urinary flow parameters, American Urological Association symptom score, benign prostatic hyperplasia quality of life score, prostate volume, and prostate-specific antigen level.


RESULTS
Average surgical time and joules used were 12% (P = .24) and 16% (P = .15) less, respectively, for dutasteride patients compared with placebo. Estimated blood loss was also lower in the treatment group (P = .14). However, these results were not statistically significant. Surgeon-rated ease of the procedure was comparable between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in catheter time, dysuria, quality of life scores, or urinary flow parameters. Quality of life and urinary parameters markedly improved after PV.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with patients randomized to placebo, patients randomized to dutasteride experienced a trend toward decreased time, joules used, and blood loss during surgery. Although we could not convincingly prove an operative benefit of treatment with dutasteride before surgery, we have demonstrated the efficacy of PV in men receiving dutasteride.
Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23501, USA. jdl158@hotmail.com
Jennifer L
JL
Bepple
Bethany B
BB
Barone
Gregg
G
Eure
D000368:Aged; D001378:Azasteroids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000068538:Dutasteride; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate
D001378:Azasteroids; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D000068538:Dutasteride