What does abiraterone therapy do?
Abiraterone works by blocking the effects of an enzyme (called CYP17) that is found in testicular, adrenal, and prostate tumor tissue that is necessary for the production of testosterone and other androgens. By blocking this enzyme, abiraterone reduces the production of testosterone and other androgens which stimulate prostate cancer cells to grow. Abiraterone inhibits androgen at 3 sources—the testes, the adrenal glands, AND the tumor itself.
Abiraterone is not considered chemotherapy, rather it is a type of hormone therapy that is used along with prednisone to treat men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized).
References
- Abiraterone. Updated 10/2021. Apotex Corp. https://www.drugs.com/pro/abiraterone.html#s-34090-1
- How ZYTIGA® Works. Zytiga.com https://www.zytiga.com/taking-zytiga
Read next
Why is prednisone prescribed with Zytiga?
Zytiga is taken with prednisone to help manage side effects that might occur with this prostate cancer treatment. Zytiga blocks the production of cortisol from your adrenal glands. Prednisone helps to replace the lost cortisol that can cause side effects such as low blood potassium levels, fluid build up (edema), or high blood pressure. Continue reading
How long do you take Zytiga for?
Patients typically take medications such as Zytiga for as long as they are effective for or as long as they can tolerate them.
The median amount of time patients with metastatic prostate cancer remained on Zytiga ranged from 8 to 24 months, according to the results from clinical trials used to gain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Zytiga in the US. Continue reading
Xtandi vs Zytiga: How do they compare?
Xtandi (enzalutamide) and Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) are both drugs that are used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Results from various analyses indicate that Xtandi is more effective than Zytiga in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread or metastasized, although it’s more commonly associated with fatigue. Continue reading
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Drug information
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