Finasteride competitively inhibits 5α-reductase (5-AR) isoenzymes, which blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production, thereby reducing DHT. Finasteride is used in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia. Amid patient reports of suicidal ideation (SI), the Post Finasteride Syndrome advocacy group has petitioned for either a stop to selling of the drug or advertisement of stronger warnings. The US Food and Drug Administration recently added SI to the adverse effects listed for finasteride. Here we provide a brief but comprehensive review of the literature on the psychological side effects of 5-AR inhibitors (5-ARIs) to provide an opinion to help in guiding treating urologists. Most of the current evidence, obtained from the literature on dermatology, suggests that 5-ARI users experience a higher rate of depressive symptoms. However, given the lack of comprehensive randomised studies, the causal link between finasteride and SI remains unclear. Urologists prescribing 5-ARIs should be aware of the recent addition of suicide and SI risk to the list of side effects. A mental health screen should be performed and appropriate resources provided to patients commencing treatment. Furthermore, a review should be arranged with the general practitioner to assess new-onset mental health or SI symptoms. We provide recommendations for urologists who prescribe finasteride for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement. Urologists should be aware of the recent addition of suicidal ideation to the list of side effects for this drug. Finasteride prescription should be continued; however, we recommend a detailed medical history to screen for prior mental health and personality disorders, with discontinuation of the medication in patients with new onset of depression or suicidal symptoms. Close liaison with the patient’s general practitioner is vital for management of depressive or suicidal symptoms.
The review examines the vital role of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). It focuses on the superior diagnostic abilities of PSMA PET/CT for identifying both nodal and distant PCa, and its potential as a prognostic indicator for biochemical recurrence and overall survival. Additionally, we focused on the variability of PSMA’s expression and its impact on personalised treatment, particularly the use of [177Lu] Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy. This review emphasises the essential role of PSMA PET/CT in enhancing treatment approaches, improving patient outcomes, and reducing unnecessary interventions, positioning it as a key element in personalised PCa management.
1 April 2024 in Translational Andrology and Urology
Urethral sphincter insufficiency following radical prostatectomy (RP) is a common cause of non-neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) insertion remains the standard of care for fit patients with SUI refractory to non-operative interventions. The proximal urethra is a common location for uncomplicated AUS placement. However, previous failed AUS, urethroplasty, or pelvic radiotherapy (RT) may compromise urethral tissue requiring technique modifications that optimise outcomes. In these situations, transcorporal cuff (TC) placement has been well described to facilitate continence restoration in men where there is no other feasible option other than urinary diversion or permanent incontinence. In the traditional TC approach, the procedure may be complicated by haematoma due to difficulty in completely closing the corporal defects behind the urethra. This narrated video demonstrates the tunical flap (TF) modification for transcorporal AUS implantation via a perineal and penoscrotal approach in patients with prior failed AUS placements secondary to urethral erosion. The TF technique for transcorporal AUS insertion provides circumferential reinforcement with tunica albuginea from the corpora cavernosa. Here, we show how this technique provides additional urethral support for compromised urethral tissue to help prevent cuff erosion. The TF preserves the corporal volume and does not limit candidacy for future penile prosthesis implantation. In our early results, there have been no postoperative haematoma formation with this technique.
Controversy surrounds population-based screening for prostate cancer, which has typically relied on PSA level for risk stratification. This commentary examines the recent prospective trial examining the use of biphasic prostate MRI scans as a screening tool for prostate cancer. Using a reliable test, such as MRI prostate, at an earlier point along the diagnostic pathway, the authors provide a novel solution to a difficult problem. Further research is warranted to assess how biphasic MRI might be feasible at a population level.