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"