For the sponsors, these results are worthwhile. The data from the PCPT trial "suggest that administration of finasteride to men at risk of prostate cancer significantly reduces the risk of the disease, thereby reducing the side effects and complications that accompany diagnosis and treatment," Merck argued.
Similarly, GSK stated, "Therapies to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer would be an important addition to current management options for both patients and prescribers." Based on results from REDUCE, 19 men at heightened risk of prostate cancer would need to take Avodart for 4 years to prevent one prostate cancer diagnosis, GSK added.
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