What is Abiraterone (Zytiga)?
Medication Info: Zytiga Details - Side Effects, Price, Dosage, Extra Facts
Abiraterone, marketed under the brand name Zytiga, is a prescription medication primarily used to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). Metastatic means the cancer has spread from the prostate gland to other regions in the body.
The term "castration" refers to lowering testosterone levels, as androgens (male hormones) normally stimulate prostate cancer growth. Prostate cancer is considered castration-resistant if it continues to grow or spread even in the presence of drugs or surgeries that lower testosterone levels. CSPC is still responsive to hormonal treatments; however, it may require more aggressive approaches.
Abiraterone belongs to the class of medications called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. It works by disrupting the production of androgens, thereby slowing the growth of prostate cancer cells that depend on these hormones.
How to take Abiraterone (Zytiga)
Take Abiraterone as directed by your healthcare provider. It usually comes as an oral tablet that is taken once daily, ideally either one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal to minimize the potential for adverse effects. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet. You may also be prescribed prednisone or another corticosteroid as part of the treatment regimen.
Efficacy of Abiraterone (Zytiga)
Laboratory studies have demonstrated that Abiraterone effectively inhibits the production of testosterone and other important androgens. Clinical studies have shown that administering Abiraterone along with standard hormone therapy improves survival for men with mCRPC, extending life by about 4.5 months on average. For patients with CSPC, therapy including Abiraterone reduced the risk of death by 34% over 52 months[1][2][4].
Other studies have also found that treatment with Abiraterone and prednisone doubled the median time until signficant progression or death when compared to patients only receiving standard hormonal therapy[3].
Precautions and Interactions
Before taking Abiraterone, inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, especially those involving the heart, liver, or kidneys. Always inform your healthcare provider of any medications, supplements, or herbs you are currently taking to help minimize potential interactions.
Abiraterone may interact with certain medications that are broken down by the enzyme CYP2C8, such as pioglitazone (Actos) and repaglinide (Prandin). This can lead to elevated levels of these drugs, potentially increasing the risk of side effects[4].
Abiraterone should not be used during pregnancy, as it may harm the developing fetus. Individuals of reproductive age should use effective birth control while taking Abiraterone and for three weeks after the final dose.
Comparing Abiraterone (Zytiga) to other treatments
Abiraterone may be compared to Xtandi (enzalutamide), another commonly used medication for mCRPC. Both drugs have proven effective in improving prostate cancer outcomes; however, they function through different pathways. Direct comparisons between Abiraterone and Xtandi are limited, but recent studies suggest both have advantages and disadvantages in terms of side effect profiles and patient suitability. Recently, lower-dose Abiraterone (250 mg taken with food) has shown comparable efficacy to the standard 1000 mg dose taken without food, potentially reducing side effects and costs[3].
In conclusion, Abiraterone (Zytiga) is a valuable treatment option for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer. It is effective in reducing the risk of disease progression and death, and its lower-dose alternative offers advantages in patient compliance, cost, and tolerance.
References
- Durado, M., et al. (2019). Efficacy and safety of lower dose abiraterone acetate in previously-treated prostate cancer. Medical Oncology, 36(3), 327-336.
- Saad, F. (2017). Practice-changing results from abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide trials for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Urology, 109(5), 84-89.
- Penson, D. F., et al. (2021). Dose reduction of abiraterone in a single-institution cohort: updated results on long-term oncologic outcomes and predictors of toxicity. European Urology Focus, 7(4), 577-583.
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). Abiraterone acetate. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/pdc/pipeline/abiraterone-acetate
- Scher, H. I., et al. (2013). Abiraterone for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 31(32), 3831-3837.
- Abiraterone, a medication marketed as Zytiga, is primarily used to treat both metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer.
- Prostate cancer is considered resistant if it continues to grow or spread even with hormonal treatments designed to lower testosterone levels.
- Abiraterone belongs to the class of medications called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors, working by disrupting the production of androgens, which slows the growth of prostate cancer cells.
- In terms of workplaces, employers can incorporate men's health and wellness programs, such as fitness and exercise, mental health support, and nutritional counseling, to promote overall health and wellness.
- Skin care is an essential aspect of women's health, and regular detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
- Therapies and treatments for weight management often involve lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, in addition to prescription medications if needed.
- Medicare coverage may be available for prescriptions like Abiraterone, along with various treatments and therapies focused on cancer, mental health, and weight management.
