New findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine further increase the treatment options for men with advanced prostate cancer. Study results show the drug enzalutamide can significantly extend life and improve quality of life in men with the disease.
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, and its partner hospital The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust directed the new phase 3 trial of enzalutamide. They also steered the phase 3 trials of 2 other drugs, cabazitaxel and abiraterone. A fourth drug studied in the 2-year period, sipuleucel-T, has also been shown to extend life.
Professor Martin Gore, medical director of The Royal Marsden Hospital, said: “We are delighted with the recent progress that has been made in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and to see the impact this is having on our patients, many of whom are living longer with a better quality of life as the result of these new drugs.”
During the multinational, randomized placebo-controlled trial, enzalutamide, a new type of hormone treatment, was assessed in 1199 men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who had previously received chemotherapy.
With enzalutamide, median survival was 18.4 months, compared with 13.6 months for men receiving a placebo. An improved quality of life was reported in approximately 43% of men taking enzalutamide, compared with 18% of men taking a placebo.
Professor Alan Ashworth, chief executive of ICR said: “What we’re seeing now is an unprecedented period of success for prostate cancer research, with 4 new drugs shown to extend life in major clinical trials in just 2 years, and several others showing promise. It truly is a golden age for prostate cancer drug discovery and development.”
Source: ICR.