Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men worldwide, with an estimated 248,530 new cases in 2021 in the United States alone. Enzalutamide is a novel and promising medication that is showing promise in treating prostate cancer. In this article, we will discuss the effectiveness of enzalutamide combined with standard treatment in managing prostate cancer.

What is Enzalutamide?

Enzalutamide is a nonsteroidal anti-androgen medication that is FDA approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The medication works by inhibiting the binding of androgens (such as testosterone) to the androgen receptor, which can slow or halt the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Enzalutamide in Combination with Standard Treatment

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluated the effectiveness of enzalutamide in combination with standard treatment in managing prostate cancer. The study included 1,125 patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer who were randomized to receive either standard treatment (androgen deprivation therapy and docetaxel) plus a placebo or standard treatment plus enzalutamide.

The results of the study showed that the addition of enzalutamide to standard treatment significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival compared to standard treatment alone. The median overall survival was 67 months in the enzalutamide group compared to 56 months in the placebo group. The median progression-free survival was 19 months in the enzalutamide group compared to 14 months in the placebo group.

Enzalutamide Side Effects

Enzalutamide is generally well-tolerated, and the most common side effects include fatigue, hypertension, and hot flashes. Less common side effects may include seizures, falls, and cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Enzalutamide is a promising medication that shows great potential in managing prostate cancer when combined with standard treatment. The recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates that the addition of enzalutamide to standard treatment significantly improves overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. While enzalutamide may have side effects, it is generally well-tolerated, and the benefits of the medication in managing prostate cancer are significant.