A multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported in New England Journal of Medicine reveals Alfuzosin, an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker used to relieve chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men is as effective as placebos.

Data released from several placebo-controlled trials suggest alpha-blockers might reduce symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome, however, researchers say trial results were not always consistent. Study participants were randomized to a 10-mg daily dose of alfuzosin or matching placebo and followed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was a reduction of at least four points in the NIH symptom index.

While, alpha-blockers have demonstrated efficacy as first-line treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms in older men and alpha receptors in the central nervous system have been implicated in chronic pain syndromes, pre-clinical studies suggest alpha-blockers might reduce neurogenic inflammation in the lower urinary tract.

The study authors write: 'Our findings do not support the use of alfuzosin to reduce the symptoms of chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men who have not received prior treatment with an alpha-blocker.'

The study supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Centre for Minority Health and Health Disparities was carried out on 272 men. The authors noting several limitations of the study conclude, they cannot exclude the possibility of the drug having had a beneficial effect, if the treatment period had been longer, or patients had had more acute symptoms.

Lead author Dr. Nickel, including several co-authors disclose multiple financial relationships with commercial interests.