Prostate cancer is a common cancer that affects men. It is estimated that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

Prostate cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer, but in some cases, it can be aggressive and spread quickly to other parts of the body. There are various treatments available for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapy. In this article, we will focus on drugs that can slow the progression of prostate cancer by 52%.

The Role of Androgen in Prostate Cancer

Androgen is a male hormone that plays a critical role in the development and growth of the prostate gland. However, when prostate cancer develops, androgen can also stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

Therefore, reducing the levels of androgen in the body can be an effective way to slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy, is a treatment that reduces the levels of androgen in the body. There are several ways to achieve this, including:.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists
LHRH antagonists
Anti-androgens

LHRH agonists and antagonists work by blocking the production of androgen in the testicles. Anti-androgens work by blocking the action of androgen in the body.

Hormone therapy is usually recommended for men with advanced prostate cancer or for those who are not eligible for surgery or radiation therapy. Hormone therapy can help to slow down the growth of prostate cancer and relieve the symptoms of the disease.

Abiraterone

Abiraterone is a drug that is used in combination with hormone therapy for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

It works by blocking the production of androgen in the testicles as well as the adrenal glands and the tumor itself. The phase III clinical trial of abiraterone showed that it can slow the progression of prostate cancer by 52%. Abiraterone is usually well-tolerated, but some men may experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and joint pain.

Enzalutamide

Enzalutamide is a drug that is also used in combination with hormone therapy for the treatment of mCRPC. It works by blocking the action of androgen in the body.

The phase III clinical trial of enzalutamide showed that it can slow the progression of prostate cancer by 52%. Enzalutamide is usually well-tolerated, but some men may experience side effects such as fatigue, hot flashes, and hypertension.

Apalutamide

Apalutamide is a drug that is used for the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). It works by blocking the action of androgen in the body.

The phase III clinical trial of apalutamide showed that it can delay the progression of prostate cancer by 24.3 months compared to placebo. Apalutamide is usually well-tolerated, but some men may experience side effects such as fatigue, rash, and joint pain.

Radium-223

Radium-223 is a drug that is used for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. It works by emitting alpha particles that specifically target cancer cells in the bones.

The phase III clinical trial of radium-223 showed that it can prolong the survival of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer by 3.6 months compared to placebo. Radium-223 is usually well-tolerated, but some men may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Cabazitaxel

Cabazitaxel is a drug that is used for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that has progressed on hormone therapy. It works by interfering with the microtubules in cancer cells, which leads to their death.

The phase III clinical trial of cabazitaxel showed that it can improve the survival of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer by 2.4 months compared to mitoxantrone, another chemotherapy drug. Cabazitaxel is usually well-tolerated, but some men may experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a common cancer that can be effectively treated with a range of therapies, including surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapy.

Hormone therapy is an effective way to reduce the levels of androgen in the body, which can slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer. Abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide, radium-223, and cabazitaxel are drugs that can slow the progression of prostate cancer by 52% or more. These drugs are usually well-tolerated, but some men may experience side effects.

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your particular situation.