An old man has enlarged prostate. Which of the following may be use to suppress his prostatic growth –
**Question:** An old man has enlarged prostate. Which of the following may be used to suppress his prostatic growth -
A. Finasteride (5α-reductase inhibitors)
B. Alpha-blockers
C. Tamoxifen (antiestrogen)
D. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)
**Correct Answer: D. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)**
**Core Concept:** Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in elderly men. The underlying pathogenesis involves the overgrowth of prostatic cells due to hyperplasia, which leads to symptoms such as urinary retention and impaired urinary flow.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a treatment modality used to suppress prostatic growth in men with BPH. By reducing androgen levels, ADT aims to reduce the growth and proliferation of prostatic cells. This is achieved through various methods, including:
1. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists: These drugs, such as leuprolide and goserelin, stimulate the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH), which then stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. By blocking LHRH, these medications reduce testosterone levels, ultimately suppressing the growth of the prostate gland.
2. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists: These drugs, like degarelix and cabergoline, directly block the action of GnRH on the pituitary gland, preventing the release of LH and thus reducing testosterone production.
3. Antiandrogens: Tamoxifen, as mentioned in option C, is an antiestrogen used to block the action of estrogen on the prostate gland. While it is mentioned as a potential therapy for BPH, it is not considered a first-line treatment for BPH as it does not directly target the prostatic hormone production.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
**Option A (Finasteride and Dutasteride):**
These drugs, known as 5α-reductase inhibitors, target the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate. By reducing DHT levels, these medications help alleviate the symptoms of BPH but do not directly suppress prostatic growth.
**Option B (Alpha-blockers):**
Alpha-blockers, like tamsulosin, do not directly target the growth of the prostate gland. They work by blocking alpha receptors on prostatic smooth muscle, leading to relaxation of the prostatic urethral sphincter and improvement in urinary flow.
**Option C (Tamoxifen):**
As mentioned, tamoxifen is an antiestrogen used to block the action of estrogen on the prostate gland. While it is sometimes used in BPH treatment, it is not a primary treatment for BPH due to its limited effect on prostatic hormone production.
**Clinical Pearls:**
1. In treating BPH, a combination of alpha-blockers and 5α