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Revisiting 5α-reductase inhibitors and the risk of prostate cancer

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The role of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) in prostate cancer chemoprevention remains a controversy, as cancer prevention trials with 5-ARIs have shown a decreased incidence of low-grade prostate cancer but a potential increased risk in high-grade disease. Recent studies have shed light on the long-term safety of 5-ARIs in terms of influencing prostate cancer risk.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organization imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Both authors researched data for the article, made substantial contributions to discussion of content, and wrote, reviewed, and edited the manuscript before submission.

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Correspondence to William D. Figg.

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Chau, C.H., Figg, W.D. Revisiting 5α-reductase inhibitors and the risk of prostate cancer. Nat Rev Urol 15, 400–401 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-018-0018-9

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