Anti-androgenic effects of combination finasteride plus flutamide in patients with prostatic carcinoma

Br J Urol. 1996 Dec;78(6):907-10. doi: 10.1046/j.1464-410x.1996.29918.x.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the anti-androgenic effects and safety of the combination of finasteride and flutamide in men with prostate cancer.

Patients and methods: Seventeen men with various stages of prostate cancer, all of whom were candidates for androgen deprivation therapy, were treated with finasteride plus flutamide and were followed for a mean of 13.6 months using measurements of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), and an assessment of regression and side-effects.

Results: The initial median PSA level was 19.8 ng/mL: at 3, 6 and 12 months the median PSA had fallen to 1.2, 0.85 and 0.8 ng/mL, respectively. In four patients followed for 2 years, the anti-neoplastic effects were sustained. Patients with initially palpable disease had regression, as assessed by a digital rectal examination. Side-effects included gynaecomastia (five patients), mildly elevated hepatic transaminases (two) and diarrhoea (one). Most men maintained their previous sexual function.

Conclusions: Early results suggest that the combination of finasteride and flutamide provides significant anti-androgenic therapy and maintains sexual function in most men. A further investigation with more patients and a longer follow-up is warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Finasteride / administration & dosage
  • Finasteride / adverse effects
  • Flutamide / administration & dosage
  • Flutamide / adverse effects
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / analysis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Finasteride
  • Flutamide
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen