How Proscar & Avodart Can Complicate Active Surveillance & Screening | Matthew Cooperberg, MD | PCRI

In this clip from our 2022 mid-year update conference, Mark Moyad, MD, MPH asks Matthew Cooperberg, MD, MPH, about the use of Avodart (dutasteride) and Proscar (finasteride) in men on active surveillance. Dr. Cooperberg explains that the early belief that these medications increased the incidence of more aggressive prostate cancers was mistaken and that they actually only increased the detection rate of aggressive cancers by making PSA a more reliable indicator. Moreover, new data suggests that they decrease the rate of cancer progression for men on active surveillance; however, there are possible side effects and men should speak with their doctors as to whether these are good medications to consider while on active surveillance.
To see Dr. Cooperberg's faculty page, visit: urology.ucsf.edu/people/coope...
To watch Dr. Cooperberg's full lecture and Q&A and the rest of the first day of our conference, which also featured Eugene Kwon, MD, on "Prostate Cancer Treatments and Imaging" and Jeffrey Brady, MD, on "Treatments for Incontinence," go to: • Active Surveillance, I...
To View Day 2, featuring Amar Kishan, MD on "Side Effects of Radiation Therapy," Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD on "Advanced Treatment & Side Effects," and a conference wrap-up with Mark Scholz, MD, and Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, visit: • Radiation, Advanced Tr...
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[@joses5356]

Been on finasteride for about 18 years. Im 59 now and no side effects. I used to take the recommended 1mg a day 7days a week up until last year. I now only take 1mg on Monday Wednesday and Friday. No difference with my hair. I did this after watching the Hair Show with these two hair doctors from I think Australia. They pointed to a study that showed once on finasteride for a while your scalp is saturated with it that you may not need as much. It has worked for me. My PSA test today was again 0.3. This has not changed since starting finasteride 18 yrs ago.

[@nvan78]

Been on Flomax and Avodart together since Nov. 2020. Have low grade cancer 3+3 and BPH. My urologist doesn't seem to be overly concerned even with my PSA being 11 from my most recent PSA test. Still on Active Surveillance, age 67. PSA has been elevated for yrs. even when just taking Flomax alone, essentially above 5 reading.

[@ThePCRI]

Active surveillance data has found that a rising PSA is an inadequate reason to take someone off of active surveillance in favor of treatment, but it may be reason for further investigation via an MRI or biopsy. I am not sure if your doctor is planning to do a follow up PSA soon to see how it is behaving (it is somewhat common for PSA to jump around and for it not to be cancer related) or if he or she is planning on an MRI or anything. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our free helpline at pcri.org/helpline.

[@zawadulshabab7027]

Can finasteride 1 mg cause negative mental effects?

[@idk-ry5by]

I’m 19 and am about to start finasteride (1mg) for hair loss. Should I get a PSA screening before starting to have my baseline levels before starting the drug?

[@David-xq8zf]

Hi, how is your hair now? Side effects have you felt so far?

[@michaelhemberger4674]

I have diagnoses of prostate cancer im a 6 other Gleason scale .. now I had a place of 20.. and wasn't told for 18 to 20 months.. then I went to a urologist and went through different things the ps lowered to 16 at one point then back in the 20's.. I had a biopsie and 80 % on one side.. it hasn't gone into my body.. now the immediately wanted me to 2 years hormone therapy and radiation... and they were rushing me.. because if my PSA was lower I would be in a lets observation.. well my thinking it hasn't change in 3yrs.. why are we rushing.. maybe I just runn a high psa.. I would love all kinds your opinions.. sincerely Michel hamburger

[@ThePCRI]

Hello, we have a free helpline staffed by patient advocates that can provide you with information relevant to your case. You can find our contact information at pcri.org/helpline.

[@braddater5834]

I have a high psa at 54 of around 11 and I had 2 biopsies showing nothing. I don't have BPH symptoms either. Sometimes we seemingly just have a high number. I am just starting propecia and oral minox.