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Antiandrogens as Therapies for COVID-19: A Systematic Review
Massimiliano Cani1,2, Samantha Epistolio3, Giulia Dazio3
1Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Background:
In 2019, the breakthrough of the coronavirus 2 disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), represented one of the major issues of our recent history. Different drugs have been tested to rapidly find effective anti-viral treatments and, among these, antiandrogens have been suggested to play a role in mediating SARS-CoV-2 infection. Considering the high heterogeneity of studies on this topic, we decided to review the current literature.
Methods:
We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. A search strategy was conducted on PUBMED and Medline. Only original articles published from March 2020 to 31 August 2023 investigating the possible protective role of antiandrogens were included. In vitro or preclinical studies and reports not in the English language were excluded. The main objective was to investigate how antiandrogens may interfere with COVID-19 outcomes.
Results:
Among 1755 records, we selected 31 studies, the majority of which consisted of retrospective clinical data collections and of randomized clinical trials during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, we can state that antiandrogens do not seem to protect individuals from SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity and, thus, their use should not be encouraged in this field.
Insights
Antiandrogens do not appear to protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection or COVID-19 severity. Their use is not recommended for preventing or treating COVID-19 outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged in 2019, necessitating rapid development of antiviral treatments.
- Antiandrogens were investigated for a potential role in modulating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Significant heterogeneity in existing studies prompted a comprehensive literature review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the current literature on the potential protective role of antiandrogens against COVID-19.
- To investigate the interference of antiandrogens with COVID-19 outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searches were performed on PUBMED and Medline databases.
- Included original English-language articles from March 2020 to August 2023, excluding in vitro/preclinical studies.
Main Results:
- A total of 31 studies were selected from 1755 records.
- The majority of selected studies comprised retrospective clinical data and randomized clinical trials.
- These studies covered the initial waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions:
- Antiandrogens do not demonstrate a protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Evidence suggests antiandrogens do not reduce COVID-19 severity.
- Clinical use of antiandrogens for COVID-19 is not supported by current findings.
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