In a nutshell
This study analyzed the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (MCSPC) after treatment with apalutamide (Erleada) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The study found that apalutamide plus ADT was well tolerated and improved survival compared to ADT alone in these patients.
Some background
MCSPC is cancer spread beyond the prostate area to other organs. It is called castration sensitive since it can be treated by ADT, which lowers the body’s male hormones. Male hormones such as testosterone fuel the growth of prostate cancer. Apalutamide is a testosterone blocker.
The combination of apalutamide and ADT has been shown to improve the survival of patients with MCSPC, compared to ADT alone. However, it is unknown if this combination treatment has any harmful effect on patients’ health and quality of life.
Methods & findings
1052 patients with MCSPC were included in this study. 525 patients were randomly assigned to receive ADT plus 240 mg of apalutamide daily. 527 patients were randomly assigned to receive ADT plus a placebo. All patients were followed up for 19 to 22.1 months on average. The patients completed questionnaires to report their HRQOL including pain and fatigue.
The pain and fatigue experienced by two groups of patients were not different during treatment. The average time to the worst pain experienced was higher in the apalutamide group (19.09 months) compared to the placebo group (11.99 months). The quality of life of patients was also similarly maintained in both groups.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that apalutamide with ADT was well tolerated and maintained HRQOL in patients with MCSPC.
The fine print
This study was funded by Janssen, the manufacturer of apalutamide.
Published By :
The Lancet. Oncology
Date :
Sep 27, 2019
