Comparison of standard-dose and reduced-dose treatment of metastatic prostate cancer with enzalutamide, apalutamide or darolutamide: a rapid review

Abstract

Objective To review the efficacy and safety of low-dose versus standard-dose enzalutamide, apalutamide or darolutamide treatment for metastatic prostate cancer.Methods and analysis Keyword searches in MEDLINE and EMBASE up to 1 June 2023, with forward and backward citation searches of potentially relevant studies. Studies were included if primary outcome data were reported for patients with metastatic prostate cancer who had received reduced doses of enzalutamide, apalutamide or darolutamide. Searches were limited to original full-text and English-language studies. Key outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), prostate-specific antigen response and treatment-related adverse events. The review was performed in accordance with Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group guidelines.Results Ten studies were identified that met the eligibility criteria: five phase I studies, two post-hoc analyses of phase III trials and three retrospective analyses. No consistent association between OS, PFS and drug dose was identified. Fewer severe treatment-related adverse events were observed at lower drug doses.Conclusion This review provides evidence that enzalutamide, apalutamide or darolutamide could be given at a lower than the standard recommended dose without loss of antitumour activity. A prospective near-equivalence randomised trial should be undertaken to compare registered and lower doses of these agents.PROSPERO registration number CRD42023440371.