Enzalutamide for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Abstract

Alejo Rodriguez-Vida,1 Myria Galazi,1 Sarah Rudman,1 Simon Chowdhury,1 Cora N Sternberg2 1Medical Oncology Department, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; 2Medical Oncology Department, San Camillo and Forlanini Hospitals, Rome, Italy Abstract: In recent years, several nonhormonal and hormonal agents, including enzalutamide, have been approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) on the basis of improved overall survival in prospective clinical trials. The incorporation of these agents has revolutionized the treatment of CRPC but has also raised the question of what is the ideal sequence of administering them. Enzalutamide is a nonsteroidal second-generation antiandrogen that has been approved for the treatment of metastatic CRPC both in the post-docetaxel and chemotherapy-naïve settings. This article reviews the pharmacological characteristics of enzalutamide, the efficacy studies which led to its approval, its safety profile, and quality of life-related parameters as well as its place in the sequential treatment and management of metastatic prostate cancer. Keywords: enzalutamide, antiandrogen, ADT, androgen receptor, castration resistant prostate cancer, overall survival