How effective is Casodex for prostate cancer?
Casodex (biclutamide) is an anti-androgen type of hormone therapy used to treat prostate cancer that has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body.)
When Casodex is used in combination with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog (either leuprolide depot or goserelin implant) Casodex + LHRH analog are
- more effective than leuprolide on its own
- is just as effective as flutamide + leuprolide.
A clinical study for Stage D2 Prostate Carcinoma comparing leuprolide with leuprolide + flutamide showed:
- leuprolide + flutamide treatment increased survival time by 7 months which was a 25% improvement
Another clinical trial was completed comparing treatment of Casodex + LHRH analog with flutamide + LHRH analog for Stage D2 Prostate Carcinoma. The results showed both treatment options had similar effects with no significant difference between:
- survival time (time to death)
- time to tumor progression
- quality of life
References
- Casodex Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/casodex.html
- Eulexin (flutamide) Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/eulexin.html
Read next
Why has Xtandi stopped working and what do I take next?
Prostate cancer cells, like bacteria, can evolve over time and become resistant to treatments, including the hormone therapy and androgen receptor inhibitor Xtandi (enzalutamide). The cancer cells work to reprogram their environment and develop strategies that enable them to transform and survive.
If treatment with Xtandi stops working then other treatments may be offered, such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiotherapy
Stopping treatment with Xtandi may also result in an antiandrogen withdrawal response (AAWR), which can cause the cancer to stop growing or shrink for the period of time. Continue reading
How long does Xtandi work?
Xtandi is typically taken until prostate cancer starts to progress or spread (metastasize), or until the patient can no longer tolerate therapy because of the side effects or adverse events it causes.
In clinical trials, Xtandi was effective at delaying the time to disease progression in men with advanced prostate cancer. In men who had not received prior treatment with chemotherapy, Xtandi was also effective at delaying the need for treatment with a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent.
In the AFFIRM trial, treatment with Xtandi extended life by almost 5 months in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Continue reading
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
Related medical questions
- What happens when you stop taking Casodex?
- How long should you take Casodex for?
- Is Casodex a form of Chemotherapy?
- What type of prostate cancer is Erleada used to treat?
- What type of cancer is Rubraca used to treat?
- What medications can increase PSA levels?
- How long do you take Zytiga for?
- Xtandi vs Zytiga: How do they compare?
- Are Lupron Depot and Eligard the same drug?
- Erleada vs. Xtandi: What's the difference?
- How long should you take Eligard for?
- How long do you have to take Erleada (apalutamide) for?
- Does Xtandi lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA)?
- Is Zytiga a form of chemotherapy?
- Is Lupron Depot a chemotherapy treatment?
- Is Firmagon (degarelix) the same as Lupron?
- How long does it take Lynparza (olaparib) to work?
- How do you inject Lupron Depot for prostate cancer?
- Is Eligard a chemotherapy drug?
- How is Eligard injected / administered for prostate cancer?
- How effective is Lynparza (olaparib)?
- How effective is Erleada (apalutamide)?
- What is the mechanism of action for Erleada?
- What does abiraterone therapy do?
- How long does it take for Degarelix to work?
- What's the difference between Yonsa and Zytiga?
- How long can I take Trelstar (triptorelin) for prostate cancer?
- What is Xtandi (enzalutamide) used for?
- Why is triptorelin used for prostate cancer?
- How does flutamide work in prostate cancer?
Drug information
- Casodex Information for Consumers
- Casodex prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Casodex (detailed)
Related support groups
- Casodex (6 questions, 19 members)
- Prostate Cancer (56 questions, 156 members)
