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Degarelix: a guide to its use in advanced prostate cancer

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Abstract

Degarelix (Firmagon®), a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist, is indicated as an androgen-deprivation therapy in men with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer. It effectively induces and maintains suppression of serum testosterone to castration levels and has an acceptable tolerability profile. Relative to leuprolide, degarelix is associated with more rapid induction of testosterone and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) suppression without the testosterone surges associated with GnRH receptor agonists, and a potentially lower risk of the combined endpoint of PSA progression and death.

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Acknowledgements and disclosures

This article was reviewed by H. Isbarn, Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; E. Obarcanin, Sarejevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; N. Reynolds, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.

The preparation of this article was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from comments received were made by the author on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Adis, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand

    Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson

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  1. Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson
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Correspondence to Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson.

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Lyseng-Williamson, K.A. Degarelix: a guide to its use in advanced prostate cancer. Drugs Ther Perspect 28, 6–10 (2012). https://doi.org/10.2165/11208800-000000000-00000

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