Abiraterone Acetate Provides More Treatment Options for Advanced Prostate Cancer

A drug that inhibits androgen biosynthesis has been found to drastically reduce the risk of death in men with metastatic or advanced or Metastatic prostate cancer.

A new drug that inhibits androgen biosynthesis has been found to drastically reduce the risk of death in men with metastatic or advanced or Metastatic prostate cancer.

The new drug ‘Abiraterone Acetate’ inhibits androgen biosynthesis and proves that even in advanced stage, prostate cancer is not “androgen independent” as it is usually labelled.

Prostate Cancer | Cancer of Prostate - Incidence, Prevention, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
This cancer affects men over the age of 50 years and screening with rectal examination and PSA can help both in early detection and effective treatment

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure and is a part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the leading cause of death in older men in the world and it is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. When recognised early its treatment with radical prostatectomy yields good long term results. However many patient present late and by this time the disease is already advanced. Men with such advanced and metastatic prostate cancer (CRPC) have few treatment options. Metastatic prostate cancer patients are treated with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, or chemotherapy. They respond initially well to such treatments but soon they become resistant to such treatment.

A recent multicenter study showed that treatment with the drug Abiraterone acetate (ZYTIGA) in combination with prednisone (anti-inflammatory drug) bring about a significant improvement in overall survival. The study titled "Abiraterone and Increased Survival in Metastatic Prostate Cancer," was published in the May 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, a leading medical journal.

Androgens are male sex hormones responsible for typical male sexual characteristics. In prostate cancer, androgens may promote the tumour's growth. The tumor tissue acts as an additional source of androgens in patients with prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer
Interactive section of Medindia gives details regarding Prostate Cancer

Abiraterone acetate is an oral androgen biosynthesis inhibitor. It inhibits specific enzyme complexes required for androgen synthesis.

The finding is of great significance since it adds hope for patients who are otherwise out of treatment options.

Quiz on Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is fast gaining as a common cancer form among men; more threatening since its symptoms often go unnoticed until it’s too late. This quiz tests your knowledge on prostate cancer, its diagnosis and treatment options and is as mandatory for men as the screening tests mentioned here are!

Source: The New England Journal of Medicine

Source-Medindia

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Abiraterone, the new prostate cancer drug discovered by British researchers, is showing considerable promise. The pill could be available in the market in three years, they hope.