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The role of combination therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia

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Abstract

Medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) attempts to duplicate the known benefits of prostatectomy without the associated morbidity. The major goals of treatment for BPH include the relief of bothersome voiding symptoms and the prevention of disease progression. Despite the abundance of clinical data regarding the medical treatment for BPH during the past 20 years, a consensus regarding the best treatment regimen has not been reached. Recently, data from the largest randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled trial (MTOPS) evaluating the long-term progression of BPH-related voiding dysfunction were released. After a mean follow-up time of more than 4 years, combination therapy with α receptor antagonists (ARA) and 5-α reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) was found to be superior to monotherapy, with ARA or 5-ARI for the prevention of BPH-related disease progression. These compelling data from the MTOPS group should be considered when initiating a medical treatment plan for patients with BPH-related voiding dysfunction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Northwestern University Medical School, 303 E. Chicago Ave., Tarry 11-715, 60611, Chicago, IL, USA

    Kevin T. McVary MD

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  1. Chris M. Gonzalez MD
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  2. Kevin T. McVary MD
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Gonzalez, C.M., McVary, K.T. The role of combination therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Curr Urol Rep 4, 276–281 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-003-0084-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-003-0084-1

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