Combination therapy (Dutasteride & Tamsulosin) more effective for enlarged prostate...

Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center, lead by  Dr. Claus Roehrborn have come out with something interesting finding, i.e., two drugs  (Dutasteride, see left structure)  and Tamsulosin (see below structure) commonly prescribed for enlarged prostate yielded better results than either of the medicines alone.

The study, which included more than 4,800 men, is one of the first to compare single and combo medication regimens in such a large group.

 The first group of study participants received the drug dutasteride; the  second group received tamsulosin; and the third received a combination of the two medicines. Researchers found that, the combination therapy to be superior at reducing risk of BPH   progression   (25 % reduction in prostate volume). Interestingly, patients who received the combination therapy also showed a 50 percent reduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous prostate tissue. 

Compared with tamsulosin alone, the combination of drugs reduced the incidence of acute urinary retention by 67 percent and reduced the need for BPH-related surgery by 70 percent.  They also  found  a 65 percent decrease in the relative risk of acute urinary retention or BPH-related surgery compared with tamsulosin alone and just over a 19 percent reduction compared with dutasteride alone.

Researchers conclude that  this research should provide physicians better information when they decide on a course of treatment for patients with BPH.....

Ref :  http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept353744/files/578603.html