Randomized, placebo-controlled trial showing that finasteride reduces prostatic vascularity rapidly within 2 weeks

To measure expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in the prostates of men after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) following 2 weeks of treatment with finasteride.PATIENTS AND METHODSSixty-four men scheduled to undergo TURP were randomized to receive 5 mg of finasteride or placebo daily for 2 weeks before surgery. Sections of prostatic urothelium were stained for VEGF expression and for CD31 to assess MVD. Ten consecutive, non-overlapping high-power fields were analysed in a blinded fashion.RESULTSIn all, 31 men received finasteride and 33 placebo; the groups were similar in patient age, resected prostate weight, preoperative catheterization, prostate-specific antigen level, aspirin use, spinal anaesthesia and postoperative diagnosis of prostate cancer. The mean (95% confidence interval) MVD was significantly lower in the finasteride group (60, 55–65) than in the placebo group (71, 64–78; P <0.01). Similarly, the mean expression of VEGF was significantly lower in the finasteride group (47, 43–52 vs 61, 54–67; P <0.001)CONCLUSIONFinasteride inhibits angiogenic growth