- Cetrorelix. Cetrorelix (Cetrotide) is a luteinizing hormone– releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist. It works on LHRH receptors in the pituitary gland to suppress production of testosterone (which fuels the growth of prostate tissue). In early clinical trials, Cetrotide has improved BPH symptoms, increased urine flow, and reduced prostate volume. Studies are still ongoing.
- Silodosin. An experimental alpha-blocker, silodosin appears to target prostate tissue more precisely than do other alpha-blockers. If so, it might be less likely than other alpha-blockers to cause side effects such as low blood pressure (hypotension). The drug is being investigated in an ongoing clinical trial.
- Naftopidil. Another experimental alpha-blocker, naftopidil binds to two subtypes of the alpha-1 receptor, making it active within the bladder as well as the prostate. Researchers theorize that naftopidil might be particularly beneficial in men who have both BPH and an overactive bladder. In early research, the drug reduced overall BPH symptom scores and improved bladder irritation and urinary urgency. Naftopidil also appears to reduce nighttime urination.
- NX-1207. Early clinical trials suggest that this investigational drug can shrink the prostate by about 25% within one month. In one trial, men treated with NX- 1207 experienced a 10-point improvement in BPH symptom scores, with minimal side effects in general and no sexual side effects. In a follow-up assessment 29–34 months after NX-1207 treatment ended, more than half of the men had required no additional treatment for BPH symptoms.
Inflammation in the prostate increases the likelihood that BPH will progress, according to an analysis of data from the large Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms (MTOPS) study. It showed that men with evidence of inflammation in prostate tissue had larger prostates, higher prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, a greater risk of developing urinary retention, and a higher rate of BPH progression. Consistent with this new information, a recent study found that taking medications that reduce inflammation may benefit the prostate and urinary tract. In the study, men who took an aspirin a day (or another type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen) had a 27% reduction in urinary symptoms, a 49% lower risk of developing an enlarged prostate, and a 48% lower risk of having an elevated PSA level.
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