In a nutshell
The study compared the effectiveness of darolutamide (Nubeqa), apalutamide (Erleada), and enzalutamide (Xtandi) in treating non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). The data showed that darolutamide, apalutamide, and enzalutamide were similarly effective and improved survival outcomes compared to placebo in men with nmCRPC.
Some background
Non-metastatic CRPC is an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland but is no longer responsive to hormonal therapy such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT reduces the production of androgens (male sex hormones such as testosterone). Reducing these androgens prevents cancer cell growth.
Darolutamide, apalutamide, and enzalutamide are all anti-androgen medications. They block testosterone from reaching PC cells. They are recommended for the treatment of nmCRPC. They have been shown to improve clinical outcomes like overall survival and lower the risk of disease progression and spread in men with CRPC. However, few studies compared the effectiveness of darolutamide, apalutamide, and enzalutamide in treating patients with non-metastatic CRPC.
Methods & findings
The authors analyzed data from 3 studies reporting the effects of darolutamide, apalutamide, and enzalutamide on a total of 4117 patients with non-metastatic CRPC. Patients had received either of the 3 drugs or a placebo.
Patients treated with darolutamide were 30% more likely to have a better overall survival than patients treated with a placebo. This difference was considered statistically significant.
Patients treated with apalutamide were 25% more likely to have a better overall survival than patients treated with a placebo. This difference was considered statistically significant.
Patients treated with enzalutamide were 23% more likely to have a better overall survival than patients treated with a placebo. This difference was considered statistically significant.
No differences in overall survival were found among the 3 drugs.
The bottom line
This study concluded that darolutamide, apalutamide, and enzalutamide were similarly effective and significantly improved survival outcomes compared to a placebo in men with non-metastatic CRPC.
The fine print
The number of studies analyzed in this study was very small. This study did not directly compare the 3 drugs.
Published By :
World Journal of Urology
Date :
Sep 09, 2022
