Antiandrogens as Therapies for COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic recently represented an unexpected global issue. Due to its rapid spread and severity, the identification of possible therapies emerged as an urgent need. In this sense, the molecular landscape of SARS-CoV-2 infection was thoroughly analyzed to find possible therapeutic vulnerabilities. In such a context, the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiandrogens was explored, finding promising but also contradictory results. In our work, we systematically reviewed the current literature to explore this issue.Abstract 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.