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Abiraterone Acetate, A Novel Adrenal Inhibitor in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

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Abstract

The androgen receptor remains the key player in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Available agents capable of blocking early adrenal androgen production have limited activity and can lead to significant toxicities. Abiraterone acetate, a pregnenolone analog, is a small molecule that irreversibly inhibits CYP17, a rate-limiting enzyme in androgen biosynthesis. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this compound in men with metastatic CRPC. Recently, a randomized phase 3 trial evaluating abiraterone acetate in docetaxel-refractory CRPC patients demonstrated a survival improvement over placebo-treated patients (14.8 vs 10.9 months; HR 0.646; P < 0.0001). A similar trial in the pre-chemotherapy setting has completed accrual and is undergoing analysis. Here we review the rationale and clinical development of abiraterone acetate in men with CRPC.

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Disclosure

M. Salem: none; J. A. Garcia: consultant for Cougar Biotechnology Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue/R35, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Mohamed Salem & Jorge A. Garcia

  2. Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue/R35, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Jorge A. Garcia

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  1. Mohamed Salem
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  2. Jorge A. Garcia
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Correspondence to Jorge A. Garcia.

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Salem, M., Garcia, J.A. Abiraterone Acetate, A Novel Adrenal Inhibitor in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 13, 92–96 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-011-0153-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-011-0153-4

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