Category: Cancer Drugs

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A small randomized Phase II study for men with progressive castrate-resistant prostate cancer has tested the effects of taking one-fourth the standard dose of Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) after a low-fat breakfast instead of standard dose on an empty stomach.

Taking one-fourth the standard dose with a low-fat breakfast, the study found, can be as effective – and four times less expensive – as taking the standard dose as recommended: on an empty stomach. The finding has significant financial implications.

Abiraterone acetate is a standard treatment for metastatic CRPC. Retail cost is about $8000 per month.

A group of doctors led by Russell Szmulewitz, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago and a specialist in medical treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer, observed that "despite a large food effect (about a 17-fold increase in CMax with a high-fat meal), abiraterone acetate was administered under fasting conditions in its pivotal trials." ...continue reading "Low-dose Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) with a low-fat breakfast as effective as full dose on an empty stomach, study finds"

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Advocating for advanced prostate cancer patients in Scotland, Alister Walker, Chairman and volunteer in Perth & Kinross Prostate Cancer Support Group, writes in the Scottish newspaper The Herald:

"Last week we read the good news that Moderator-Designate of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Reverend Dr Angus Morrison, has overcome the disease (Church leader in cancer warning , The Herald, April 23). With prostate cancer so often being symptomless in its early stages he is right to urge other men to consider speaking to their GP about the disease. This is particularly important for men aged over 50, black men and men whose father or brother has had the disease - who are at a higher risk. ...continue reading "Abiraterone rejection in Scotland must be overturned, Prostate Cancer advocate says"