The Experience with Combination of Finasteride and Tamsulosin on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Cho, Sung Hyun; Lee, Sang Kon

Abstract

PURPOSE: We evaluated the sustained efficacy and the safety of finasteride and tamsulosin in combination in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a retrospective trial, we evaluated men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia who were treated with a combination of finasteride and tamsulosin for 12 months. The international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and serum PSA were assessed at the baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Prostatic volume was measured at 0 and 12 months.
RESULTS
Of the 210 men enrolled, 183 contributed data to the safety analysis, and 102 to the efficacy evaluation. Finasteride plus tamsulosin combination therapy produced statistically significant improvements in the urinary obstructive symptoms score and led to overall reduction from baseline of 9.8% in prostatic volume and 55% in serum PSA at the end of a 12-month trial. In men with prostatic volume greater than 30ml (n=28), a decrease in prostatic volume was higher than that less than 30ml (n=31) (13.1% vs. 6.9% from baseline respectively, p=0.0001, p=0.02). Treatment with finasteride plus tamsulosin for 12 months was generally well tolerated.
CONCLUSIONS
Twelve months treatment with a combination of finasteride and tamsulosin was effective in improving urinary symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and was well tolerated.