Comparison of α-blocker monotherapy and α-blocker plus 5α-reductase inhibitor combination therapy based on prostate volume for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
OBJECTIVE
This study compared α-blocker monotherapy with combination therapy involving an α-blocker and a 5-α reductase inhibitor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), according to baseline prostate volume.


METHODS
Korean men diagnosed with BPH were randomized  to 12 months' treatment with 0.2 mg tamsulosin or 0.2 mg tamsulosin plus 0.5 mg dutasteride. Prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, transition zone volume (TZV), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximal urinary flow rate (Q(max)), postvoid residual urine  volume and sexual function were assessed at baseline and after 12 months' treatment. Variables were analysed based on baseline prostate volumes of ≤ 35 ml or > 35 ml.


RESULTS
In total, 216 men with BPH were included. Combination therapy resulted in significant improvements in prostate  volume, TZV, PSA, IPSS and Q(max), which were most pronounced in men with a prostate volume > 35 ml.


CONCLUSIONS
Tamsulosin monotherapy was sufficient treatment for BPH in Korean men with a prostate volume ≤ 35 ml. Combination tamsulosin and dutasteride therapy provided  greater benefits than tamsulosin monotherapy in men with BPH whose prostate volume was > 35 ml.
Department of Urology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
K-J
KJ
Joo
W-S
WS
Sung
S-H
SH
Park
W-J
WJ
Yang
T-H
TH
Kim
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists