Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
BY MARK SCHOLZ, MD Selecting treatment for prostate cancer is complex. Start by taking the Staging Quiz (keytopc.com). This is the first-step to understanding proper management. Once you know your …
Tag: Zytiga and Xtandi
The FDA has approved two medications, Zytiga and Xtandi, for castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Both medications have been proven to prolong survival in men with prostate cancer resistant to Lupron. Their anticancer effects are both based on more complete blockade of testosterone activity. It turns out that residual testosterone activity remains a driving force in men who are resistant to Lupron.
Zytiga and Xtandi, however, work by different mechanisms. Zytiga blocks the intracellular synthesis of testosterone whereas Xtandi blocks the androgen receptor directly. Studies are ongoing to evaluate if the combination of these two agents will further enhance their anticancer activity.
Both Zytiga and Xtandi tend to be well-tolerated. Zytiga can lead to low potassium levels. Prednisone is usually combined with Zytiga to block this effect. Zytiga can also occasionally cause fluid retention or liver problems. Xtandi has been associated with seizures in 1% of men receiving the drug. Increased tiredness is also occasionally observed.