Pharmacological Management of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and Prostate Cancer in Older Men

Abstract

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer are common conditions affecting older men. Treatment options for these conditions depend on the severity of symptoms, comorbidities and patient choice and include observation, medications and surgery.BPH is an important cause of lower urinary tract symptoms. Alpha‐adrenergic antagonists are useful for mild to moderate symptoms of BPH. Trans‐urethral resection of the prostate is the most effective treatment for the relief of symptoms and is the only treatment recommended for serious complications of the disease.After skin cancers, prostate cancer is the commonest malignancy in older males. Hormonal manipulation with luteinising hormone releasing hormone analogues and antiandrogens form the mainstay of treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.This article will review the use of drugs and their place in the overall management of these disorders.