Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Traditionally, the treatment of prostate cancer has focused on surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

However, a new era has dawned with the introduction of oral therapies that target the androgen receptor, which is involved in the development and growth of prostate cancer.

What is Androgen Receptor Targeted Therapy?

Androgen receptor targeted therapy is a form of treatment that uses oral medications to block the action of androgens, which are male hormones that promote the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells.

These medications work by binding to the androgen receptor and preventing androgens from attaching to it. By doing so, they prevent androgens from stimulating the growth of prostate cancer cells.

How does Androgen Receptor Targeted Therapy Improve Survival?

The introduction of androgen receptor targeted therapy has led to a significant improvement in the survival of men with prostate cancer.

In a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who received the oral medication enzalutamide had a median overall survival of 35.3 months, compared to 31.3 months for men who received a placebo.

In addition to improving survival, androgen receptor targeted therapy has also been shown to delay disease progression.

In another study, men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who received the oral medication abiraterone had a median progression-free survival of 16.5 months, compared to 8.3 months for men who received a placebo.

What are the Benefits of Androgen Receptor Targeted Therapy?

The benefits of androgen receptor targeted therapy extend beyond just improving survival and delaying disease progression.

These medications are also oral, which means that they can be taken at home instead of requiring frequent visits to a medical facility. This makes treatment more convenient for patients and can help them maintain a better quality of life.

Androgen receptor targeted therapy also has fewer side effects than traditional treatment methods like chemotherapy. Common side effects of these medications include fatigue, nausea, and hot flashes, but they are generally mild and manageable.

In contrast, chemotherapy can cause more severe side effects like hair loss, nausea and vomiting, and low blood cell counts.

Who is Eligible for Androgen Receptor Targeted Therapy?

Androgen receptor targeted therapy is typically prescribed for men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer who have already received hormone therapy. Individuals with early-stage prostate cancer are not typically candidates for this treatment.

Conclusion

Androgen receptor targeted therapy represents a new era in the treatment of prostate cancer, offering improved survival, delayed disease progression, and fewer side effects than traditional treatment methods.

As more research is conducted and new medications are developed, the benefits of this therapy are likely to become even more pronounced.