In a nutshell
This study reported the long-term effects on the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) of enzalutamide (Xtandi) in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The data showed that enzalutamide preserved the overall health and quality of life in these patients.
Some background
Patients with mHSPC have prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. Generally, these patients are treated with hormone 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.
Enzalutamide is an anti-androgen medication. It blocks testosterone from reaching PC cells. It is used for the treatment of mHSPC. Enzalutamide plus ADT has been shown to improve clinical outcomes like overall survival and lowered the risk of disease progression in men with mHSPC. However, the long-term effects of enzalutamide plus ADT on the HR-QoL in patients with mHSPC is still unknown.
Methods & findings
This study involved 1042 patients with mHSPC. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either enzalutamide plus ADT (520) or standard nonsteroidal antiandrogen therapy plus ADT (522). The average follow-up time was 34 months. The quality of life-related to the patients' health was measured by patient questionnaires. The questionnaires measured the physical function, cognitive function (reasoning and memory), tiredness, and overall health and quality of life of the patients.
Enzalutamide was associated with worsening of self-reported tiredness, cognitive function, and physical function, but improved the overall health and quality of life of the patients compared to the control.
Enzalutamide was associated with improved deterioration-free survival for the physical function, cognitive function, and the overall health and quality of life of the patients compared to the control.
The bottom line
This study concluded that enzalutamide preserved the overall health and quality of life in patients with mHSPC. However, it was associated with worsening of tiredness, physical and cognitive function of these patients.
The fine print
This study was funded by Astellas, the manufacturers of enzalutamide.
Published By :
Journal of clinical oncology
Date :
Dec 20, 2021
