In a nutshell
This study investigated the effect of apalutamide (Erleada) on health-related quality of life (H-QoL) in patients with prostate cancer. This study found that apalutimide preserved H-QoL while prolonging time taken for cancer to spread.
Some background
One treatment option for patients with prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This treatment blocks the production of male hormones like testosterone responsible for cancer growth. However, some patients stop responding to this treatment (castration-resistant prostate cancer).
Adding apalutamide to ADT has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer spread. Apalutamide blocks androgens from taking effect in the body. However, hormone therapy like this can have side effects. The effect of apalutamide on health-related quality of life (H-QoL) in patients with prostate cancer is still unknown.
Methods & findings
This study included 1207 patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with ADT. 806 men had apalutamide and 401 had a placebo added to ADT. They filled out questionnaires describing their H-QoL. Patients were followed-up for an average of 20.3 months.
Patients treated with apalutamide were 55% less likely to have tumor growth while on treatment compared to placebo. H-QoL was similar over time for patients taking apalutamide compared to those taking a placebo.
The bottom line
This study found that apalutamide did not affect H-QoL in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
The fine print
This study was based on patient-filled questionnaires. Data collected in this was is not always reliable.
Published By :
The Lancet. Oncology
Date :
Sep 10, 2018
