Abiraterone Acetate in Prostate Cancer Treatment

Mechanism of Action and Efficacy

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends abiraterone acetate as a treatment option for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, as it inhibits androgen biosynthesis by blocking CYP17 enzyme, effectively reducing testosterone production in the body 2

Clinical Benefits

• The American College of Physicians and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggest that abiraterone acetate significantly improves overall survival when added to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer patients (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.5–0.76; P<.0001) 1
• Abiraterone acetate delays development of castration resistance (from median 14.8 to 33.2 months) and PSA progression (from 7.4 to 33.2 months) in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer patients 4

Dosing and Administration

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends a standard dose of 1,000 mg once daily on an empty stomach, or an alternative dosing of 250 mg once daily with a low-fat breakfast, which may reduce financial toxicity and improve compliance 1, 7

Common Side Effects and Monitoring

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests monitoring for mineralocorticoid-related effects, such as hypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention/edema, as well as hepatotoxicity and cardiac disorders, during abiraterone acetate treatment 4

Place in Therapy

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends abiraterone acetate as a category 1 treatment option for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer in combination with ADT 1, 4
• Abiraterone acetate is considered a standard treatment option for symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with good performance status 3, 6