In a nutshell
This study compared the effect of two chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Survival rates and pain relief were compared with cabazitaxel (jevtana) or mitoxantrone (novantrone) therapy.
Some background
Testosterone, the main male sex hormone, facilitates in the growth of prostate cancer. Many treatments for prostate cancer lower testosterone levels in order to prevent the cancer from growing. This usually involves medical or surgical castration (medication to block testosterone production or removal of the testacies by surgery). However, in many patients the cancer becomes resistant to castration therapy, referred to as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Eventually the cancer may spread to other organs, become metastatic.
Cabazitaxel and mitoxantrone are chemotherapy drugs given to CRPC patients with progressive cancer after other chemotherapy treatments have failed. They inhibit cell division and cancer growth by slightly different mechanisms. Mitoxantrone is also known to provide relief of cancer related pain.
Methods & findings
This study involved 755 patients diagnosed with metastatic CRPC. 378 patients received cabazitaxel and 377 patients received mitoxantrone as chemotherapy treatment. Survival rates after 2 years were 15.9% in the cabazitaxel treatment group, compared to 8.2% in the mitoxantrone treatment group. Cabazitaxel also provided a similar level of pain relief to that of mitoxantrone.
The bottom line
Cabazitaxel significantly increases survival rate, and is efficient at relieving pain, in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer.
The fine print
This trial was funded by Anofi, which manufactures jevtana.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician regarding cabazitaxel use in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.
Published By :
Annals of oncology
Date :
Jun 27, 2013
