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Biomedical subjects

E Stoner

Publications and source records attributed to E Stoner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effect of finasteride on prostate-specific antigen density.

OBJECTIVE: Prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) has been proposed as a diagnostic marker for prostate cancer. Because treatment with finasteride may affect PSAD differently in men with BPH compared with men with BPH plus prostate cancer, we evaluated the diagnostic utility of PSAD in men treated with finasteride for twelve months. METHODS: Data for this analysis were obtained from 895 men with BPH enrolled in a twelve-month placebo-controlled North American study. Prostate volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging and PSA was measured by the Hybritech immunoradiometric assay. RESULTS: Treatment with finasteride for twelve months increased the positive predictive value of PSAD for identifying the presence of prostate cancer from 14 percent to 30 percent. Using PSA values alone with a cutoff of 10 ng/mL at baseline and 5 ng/mL after twelve months of treatment, similar specificity and sensitivity could be achieved. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that adjustment of PSA values during treatment with finasteride can be used to maintain the diagnostic accuracy for prostate cancer while PSAD can be used to provide additional reassurance without requiring adjustment for treatment.

Adult↗

Finasteride for the treatment and control of benign prostatic hyperplasia: summary of phase III controlled studies. The Finasteride Study Group.

The efficacy and safety profiles of finasteride were tested in 1,645 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) over a 12-month period. The following effects were observed: (1) a 60-80% reduction in serum dihydrotestosterone levels; (2) a 20% reduction in prostate volume; (3) significant increases in the maximum urinary flow rate compared with placebo; and (4) significant improvement in urinary symptoms, particularly obstructive symptoms. All effects were well maintained for the entire duration of the study. Finasteride had a good safety profile and was well tolerated.

Aged↗

Maximum urinary flow rate by uroflowmetry: automatic or visual interpretation.

We measured the maximum urinary flow rate monthly for 1 year by uroflowmetry in 1,645 patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of finasteride therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients were randomized to receive placebo (555) or finasteride (1,090). A total of 23,857 flow measurements was obtained. Because of the presence of artifacts on many uroflow curves, we read the maximum urinary flow rate values manually and compared them to the values provided electronically by the uroflowmeter. On average, the manually read values were 1.5 ml. per second lower than the machine read values. Artifacts causing a difference of 2 ml. per second or more between the 2 methods were found in 20% and of more than 3 ml. per second in 9% of the tracings. The difference between treatment groups in mean maximum urinary flow rate change at the end of the study was the same with both reading methods. However, confidence intervals were 15 to 25% larger for the machine read compared to the manually read values. This larger variability in machine read maximum urinary flow rate has a marked negative impact on the power of statistical tests to assess any given difference in maximum urinary flow rate between treatment groups. Furthermore, it increases sample size requirements by 50% to achieve any given statistical power. We conclude that maximum urinary flow rate artifacts contribute significantly to the variability of maximum urinary flow rate measurement by uroflowmetry. Manual reading of the maximum urinary flow rate eliminates an important fraction of such variability.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Effect of finasteride on serum PSA concentration in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Results from the North American phase III clinical trial.

Finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor recently introduced for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, reduces prostate size and decreases serum PSA concentration. To interpret PSA in men treated with finasteride, it is necessary to take the reduction into account. This article describes the effect of finasteride on the serum PSA concentration in the North American Phase III clinical trial and discusses implications of these findings for the interpretation of serum PSA in men treated with finasteride.

Adult↗

The effect of finasteride in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Finasteride Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a progressive, androgen-dependent disease resulting in enlargement of the prostate gland and urinary obstruction. Preventing the conversion of testosterone to its tissue-active form, dihydrotestosterone, by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase could decrease the action of androgens in their target tissues; in the prostate the result might be a decrease in prostatic hyperplasia and therefore in symptoms of urinary obstruction. METHODS: In a double-blind study, we evaluated the effect of two doses of finasteride (1 mg and 5 mg) and placebo, each given once daily for 12 months, in 895 men with prostatic hyperplasia. Urinary symptoms, urinary flow, prostatic volume, and serum concentrations of dihydrotestosterone and prostate-specific antigen were determined periodically during the treatment period. RESULTS: As compared with the men in the placebo group, the men treated with 5 mg of finasteride per day had a significant decrease in total urinary-symptom scores (P less than 0.001), an increase of 1.6 ml per second (22 percent, P less than 0.001) in the maximal urinary-flow rate, and a 19 percent decrease in prostatic volume (P less than 0.001). The men treated with 1 mg of finasteride per day did not have a significant decrease in total urinary-symptom scores, but had an increase of 1.4 ml per second (23 percent) in the maximal urinary-flow rate, and an 18 percent decrease in prostatic volume. The men given placebo had no changes in total urinary-symptom scores, an increase of 0.2 ml per second (8 percent) in the maximal urinary-flow rate, and a 3 percent decrease in prostatic volume. The frequency of adverse effects in the three groups was similar, except for a higher incidence of decreased libido, impotence, and ejaculatory disorders in the finasteride-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with 5 mg of finasteride per day results in a significant decrease in symptoms of obstruction, an increase in urinary flow, and a decrease in prostatic volume, but at a slightly increased risk of sexual dysfunction.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Validation of a symptoms questionnaire for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

We developed a questionnaire to assess the effect of finasteride on symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by modifying that of Boyarsky (1977). To validate the questionnaire, a cohort study was conducted in 2 groups of patients with BPH and 3 control groups without BPH. The BPH groups were: (1) 34 patients before TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), average age 68 years; (2) 65 patients after TURP, average age 68 years; (3) 40 patients after other nonserious nonurological surgery, average age 50 years; (4) 14 healthy non-BPH volunteers, average age 58 years; and (5) 73 healthy non-BPH volunteers, average age 37 years. The questionnaire was administered once to all subjects, and a subset responded to a second administration. Mean total symptoms scores (TSS) from the initial questioning were 6.4, 3.2, 2.9, 2.6, and 1.6 for the 5 groups, respectively (pooled SD = 3.3); mean total troublesome symptoms scores (TTSS) were 4.8, 2.1, 1.4, 1.1, and 0.6, respectively (pooled SD = 2.2). All other groups were significantly less symptomatic and troubled than the pre-TURP group, and all surgical groups were significantly more so than the younger volunteer group. These data demonstrate the discriminant validity of the questionnaire. Corroborating prior data [Gregg et al., 1990], responsiveness was shown by the 3.7-point mean TSS improvement in response to TURP, which was significantly different from the near-zero changes in the other groups. Reproducibility was shown by kappa statistics being nearly all greater than 0.75 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.64; construct validity and reliability were demonstrated by correlation (r = 0.7) with a general urination problems question; and internal consistency was documented by Cronbach's alpha values of approximately 0.6. We conclude that this questionnaire is a useful and validated tool for assessing BPH symptoms.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

The clinical effects of a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride, on benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Finasteride Study Group.

Finasteride (Proscar--an orally active 5 alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitor) blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The effects of finasteride in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were investigated in 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In study 1, 86 patients were treated with placebo or finasteride (5 to 80 mg. per day) for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week drug-free period. After 12 weeks of treatment all doses of finasteride showed significant decreases in prostate volume. However, 12 weeks after discontinuation of finasteride prostate volume returned to near baseline values. In study 2, 104 patients were treated with placebo or finasteride (0.2 to 40 mg. per day) for 24 weeks. After 24 weeks of finasteride treatment prostate volume showed a mean decrease of 24% and 28% (p less than 0.01) in the 1 and 5 mg. groups, respectively. Lower doses had a lesser effect on prostate shrinkage. Maximum urinary flow showed a mean increase of 3.7 cc per second when the 1 and 5 mg. groups were combined. Symptom improvement was observed in the 1 and 5 mg. groups, although this was not statistically different from the placebo group due to the small sample size.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Finasteride, an inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase, suppresses prostatic dihydrotestosterone in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The oral administration of finasteride, a 4-aza-steroid inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase, decreases serum dihydrotestosterone levels, but has little effect on serum testosterone. The current study was designed to assess the effect of finasteride on dihydrotestosterone levels in the prostates of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. In a double blind, placebo-controlled study, 69 men with symptomatic prostatic hyperplasia were treated with placebo or 1, 5, 10, 50, or 100 mg/day finasteride for 7 days before transurethral resection of the prostate. In the placebo group the mean concentration of prostatic dihydrotestosterone was 10.3 +/- 0.6 nmol/kg (+/- SE), and the mean concentration of testosterone was 0.7 +/- 0.1 nmol/kg. After 7 days of treatment with all doses of finasteride, prostatic dihydrotestosterone declined to 15% or less of control levels, and the testosterone concentration increased in a reciprocal fashion. Compared to the placebo group, there was no significant difference in the mean prostatic dihydrotestosterone level achieved in any of the finasteride-treated groups. However, prostatic dihydrotestosterone levels were lower in the groups receiving higher doses of the drug. In two additional patients, finasteride treatment for 2 days also caused a decrease in prostatic dihydrotestosterone levels. No significant adverse experiences occurred during the study. We conclude that finasteride causes profound decrease in prostatic dihydrotestosterone.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Hormonal effects, tolerability, and preliminary kinetics in men of MK-906, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.

The hormonal effects following the acute (single dose) administration of a 4-azasteroid inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase (MK-906) were evaluated in 10 healthy male volunteers. Marked suppression of serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was observed after the administration of single doses as low as 12.5 mg. The mean percent decrease in DHT at 24 hours in the group treated with a single 25-mg dose was 56% +/- 10% compared with the baseline. The suppression of plasma DHT levels continued for up to 72 hours. This study demonstrates that administration of single oral doses (12.5 to 400 mg) of MK-906 results in a significant decrease in the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

The clinical development of a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride.

Finasteride, a 4-aza steroid compound, is an orally active inhibitor of the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme. 5 alpha-Reductase is necessary for the metabolism of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and is found in high levels only in certain tissues such as the prostate. Finasteride has been shown to markedly suppress serum DHT levels in man without lowering testosterone levels. In patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), finasteride was found to decrease prostate volume by a mean of 28% over a period of 6 months, without causing clinically significant adverse effects. DHT appears to be the primary androgen for prostatic growth. Selective inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase by finasteride may provide a novel approach to BPH therapy by reducing prostate size without affecting T-dependent processes such as fertility, muscle strength, and libido. The clinical development of finasteride for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia is reviewed.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

C19 and C21 5 beta/5 alpha metabolite ratios in subjects treated with the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride: comparison of male pseudohermaphrodites with inherited 5 alpha-reductase deficiency.

Male subjects administered the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride were studied to determine its effect on C19 and C21 5 alpha-metabolism. Plasma testosterone (T) and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were measured and T/DHT ratios determined at doses of 0.2-80 mg. Urinary etiocholanolone (5 beta)/androsterone (5 alpha) ratios and 5 beta/5 alpha metabolite ratios of cortisol, 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione, and corticosterone were also measured. The steroid profile was compared to male pseudohermaphrodites with inherited 5 alpha-reductase deficiency who have a global defect in C19 and C21 5 alpha-metabolism. The mean plasma DHT levels were decreased at all doses, resulting in elevated T/DHT ratios. The mean urinary etiocholanolone/androsterone, 11 beta-hydroxyetiocholanolone/11 beta-hydroxyandrosterone, tetrahydrocortisol/allotetrahydrocortisol, and tetrahydrocorticosterone/allotetrahydrocorticosterone ratios were elevated compared to pretreatment levels and placebo control values. The mean ratios appeared to be dose dependent for plasma T/DHT, urinary etiocholanolone/androsterone tetrahydrocorticosterone/allotetrahydrocorticosterone ratios. The mean 11 beta-hydroxyetiocholanolone-hydroxyandrosterone ratio was maximally elevated at the lowest doses. The results indicate that finasteride has a broad steroid spectrum inhibiting C19 and C21 5 alpha-steroid metabolism and affecting hepatic and peripheral 5 alpha-metabolism. These results suggest that a single gene codes for a single 5 alpha-reductase enzyme with affinity for multiple steroid substrates. The steroid profile is strikingly similar to that of male pseudohermaphrodites with inherited 5 alpha-reductase deficiency.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗

Effects of finasteride (MK-906), a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on circulating androgens in male volunteers.

Finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, was administered to normal male volunteers in a blinded placebo-controlled study at daily oral doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg for 11 days (part 1) and daily oral doses of 0.04, 0.12, 0.2, and 1.0 mg for 14 days (part 2). Results from part 1 showed a significant reduction in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at all doses and a significant increase in both testosterone (T) and delta 4-androstenedione at the 50- and 100-mg doses. No change was seen in LH, FSH, cortisol, or estradiol levels. Serum lipids, including total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, and triglycerides were not affected by treatment. Results from part 2 again showed significant reduction in DHT at all doses. DHT levels returned to pretreatment values within 14 days of discontinuing treatment. Significant increases in T were observed only in the 1.0 mg group and only during the first 8 days of treatment. The T/DHT ratio increased with all doses and returned to baseline when drug was discontinued. The DHT metabolites and androstanediol glucuronide and androsterone glucuronide were significantly reduced at all doses. There were no significant adverse experiences reported during part 1 or 2. In conclusion, finasteride is well tolerated by normal volunteers and results in significant suppression of serum DHT at all doses tested.

Adult↗

Hormonal effects of an orally active 4-azasteroid inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase in humans.

The objective of this study was to estimate the minimum in vivo effective oral dose and duration of action of the competitive 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor MK-906, a 4-azasteroid, in humans. Plasma dihydrotesterone (DHT), 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (AD), and its glucuronide (ADG), as well as urinary androsterone (A) and 5 alpha-pregnane-3 alpha,11 beta, 17 alpha,21-tetrol-20-one (aH4F) were determined in 54 healthy young men before and up to 7 days after a single morning dose of the compound. Twenty-four hours after a single 5- to 40-mg dose (n = 24), plasma DHT levels decreased by a mean of +/- 65%, with slow recovery of DHT levels. Seven days later, DHT remained decreased by +/- 15%. Plasma AD levels decreased to a similar degree, whereas ADG levels decreased by about 75%, indicating inhibition of target tissue 5 alpha-reductase. Testosterone levels did not show any significant variations. The A as well as aH4F excretion in the 24-hour urine test following drug administration decreased by 65%, indicating inhibition of the hepatic 5 alpha-reductase. After a single dose of 1.5 or 0.5 mg, DHT levels decreased by 50% 24 hours after administration, returning to normal within 5-7 days; at this dose, urinary A and aH4F excretion decreased by 50%. A single dose of 0.2 mg appeared to be slightly active as a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, but no statistically significant effect on DHT levels was observed after administration of a single 0.04-mg dose. It is concluded that MK-906 is a highly effective 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor in vivo. The effect on plasma DHT lasts for several days after administration of a single oral dose. The data suggest that both hepatic and extrasplanchnic 5 alpha-reductases are inhibited.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Recurrence of Cushing's disease in childhood after radiotherapy-induced remission.

A 16-year-old female patient with recurrent Cushing's disease (CD) underwent successful treatment with pituitary irradiation. Within one year after radiotherapy, cortisol levels had returned to normal (but with continued absence of diurnal variation), growth velocity improved, and puberty ensued. Five years after treatment, the patient developed clinical and biochemical evidence of recurrent CD. The high baseline evening corticotropin level (9 pmol/L [40 pg/mL]) was unresponsive (maximum level, 10 pmol/L [46 pg/mL]) to stimulation with ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRF). In patients with CD treated with radiotherapy, the corticotropin response to CRF stimulation may not be reliably compared with that of normal control values. After pituitary adenomectomy, the corticotropin concentration was still unresponsive to CRF. We suggest that the pituitary tumor was secondary to abnormal hypothalamic CRF regulation not corrected by pituitary irradiation; therefore, CD may recur despite pituitary irradiation.

Adenoma↗

New findings in apparent mineralocorticoid excess.

We report two female siblings (ages 4 and 9 years) and one 8-year-old male with the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) presenting with low renin hypertension and hypoaldosteronism. The deficiency of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase results in a defect of the peripheral metabolism of cortisol (F) to cortisone (E). As a result, the serum cortisol half-life (T1/2) is prolonged, ACTH is suppressed, and serum F is normal. The specific diagnosis of the disorder was made by the decreased ratio of the urinary metabolites of E (tetrahydrocortisone, THE) and F (tetrahydrocortisol, THF). Continuous i.v. hydrocortisone administration caused an increase in blood pressure and decrease in serum potassium demonstrating the abnormal mineralocorticoid activity of cortisol in these patients. Addition of spironolactone resulted in a decrease in blood pressure, rise in serum potassium and a gradual increase in plasma renin activity. These studies suggest that an abnormality in cortisol action or metabolism results in cortisol behaving as a potent mineralocorticoid and causing the syndrome of AME.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗