The PCPT is testing whether finasteride may prevent prostate cancer through the same hormonal mechanism. A large, controlled clinical trial is the only way to determine whether the benefits outweigh any risk, and whether finasteride should be approved for general use as a preventive agent. The drug's relatively mild side effects make it a good candidate for testing in healthy people. In addition, the trial gives researchers an opportunity to observe the effect of finasteride on PSA levels of men taking the drug, and to study the usefulness of DRE and PSA as screening tests for prostate cancer. Although finasteride's effectiveness is currently unknown, researchers hope that the drug will prevent prostate cancer from occurring in men receiving it in the trial.
All participants receive regular exams.
Some men wanted to participate because they are at increased risk for the disease. Men receiving finasteride may experience shrinkage of existing prostate enlargement, although this is not a direct aim of the study. In addition, men may find satisfaction in contributing to medical science and perhaps helping other men who may benefit from the results of the trial in the future.