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How Abiraterone Revolutionized Prostate Cancer Treatment

• Posted by Advik Singh Sep 6 Filed in Health #prostate cancer  #Abiraterone Acetate  #mrmed  #mrmed pharmacy  #abiraterone medicine  25 views
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  Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in men globally. New developments in the disease's treatment have given patients and doctors a ray of hope. Among these Pioneering advancements is abiraterone, which has potentially transformed the treatment of prostate cancer. This innovative medicine is now a need rather than a choice, offering fresh hope and more options for managing prostate cancer.

  In this blog, we will discuss how Abiraterone has changed the treatment of prostate cancer and examine evidence for its influence on patient outcomes. Let us examine how the essential contours of prostate cancer care have changed with the introduction of Abiraterone.

  What is prostate gland cancer?

  The prostate is a small gland located in front of the rectum, below the bladder. It is in charge of creating a portion of semen. In several cases, prostate cancer may grow slowly and be limited to the prostate gland, which may not cause any serious harm. However, other types can progress and spread quickly. Prostate cancer can be treated more effectively if detected early, especially if it is limited to the prostate gland. 

  What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

  Prostate cancer may not show any signs in its early stage. However, a more advanced tumour may exhibit symptoms such as 

  • Frequent urination, often during the night

  • Trouble urinating

  • Blood in urine or semen

  • Painful ejaculation

  • Loss of bladder control

  How treatable is prostate cancer?

   

  The treatment options for prostate cancer are based on the stage and the severity, such as:

  1. Active Surveillance: 

  This is commonly recommended for men with low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer that has no symptoms. 

  Approach:

  • Regular monitoring through PSA tests, DREs, and periodic biopsies.

  • Treatment is initiated only when there are signs that the tumour is growing or becoming more aggressive.

  2. Surgery: 

  Can be done to remove the prostate gland and potentially some surrounding tissue to remove the cancer cells. The types include

  • Radical Prostatectomy: The whole prostate gland is removed, along with some healthy tissue surrounding it. It can be done using standard open surgery or minimally-invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. 

  • Partial Prostatectomy: Removal of only part of the prostate, usually considered when the cancer is limited to a specific area.

  3. Radiation Therapy: 

  Uses high-energy beams to kill or shrink the size of tumour cells.  The types include 

  • External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): Uses a beam of radiation from the outer side of the body.

  • Internal radiation (Brachytherapy): Places a radioactive source directly into the prostate gland, providing a high dosage of radiation to the cancer while limiting exposure to the surrounding tissues. 

  4. Chemotherapy: 

  Uses medications to kill rapidly dividing tumour cells, typically used for advanced or aggressive prostate cancer. The types include:

  • Systemic Chemotherapy: Medications are administered orally or intravenously to target cancer cells throughout the body.

  5. Immunotherapy: 

  It helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. The types include:

  • Cancer Vaccines: Such as sipuleucel-T, designed to enhance the immune system to target cancer cells.

  • Checkpoint Inhibitors: These medicines help the immune system overcome cancer’s ability to avoid detection.

  6. Bone-Directed Therapy: 

  For prostate cancer that has spread to the bones, treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. The types include:

  • Bisphosphonates: Medications that help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.

  • Denosumab: A medication that can help strengthen bones and reduce pain from bone metastases.

  7. Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth and survival. The types include:

  • PARP Inhibitors: For cancers with certain genetic mutations, these medications block the repair of damaged DNA in cancer cells.

  8. Hormone Therapy (Androgen deprivation therapy): 

  Reduces levels of male hormones called androgens that help in the growth of prostate cancer cells.

  What is the new hormonal treatment for prostate cancer?

  Abiraterone medicine was introduced as a revolutionary option in prostate cancer treatment, particularly for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). CRPC continues to grow despite the reduction of testosterone levels, which is typically achieved through standard hormone therapies. It works by inhibiting the production of hormone testosterone in the body. This can slow the progression of prostate cancer. Abiraterone has revolutionised treatment by:

  • Extending Survival: A study by the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden Hospital found that abiraterone acetate significantly extends patients' survival rates. 

  • Quality of Life: It helps control the growth and symptoms of prostate cancer. Abiraterone also has fewer side effects and pain when compared to standard treatment.

  Wrapping up

  It is, therefore, clear that abiraterone is one of the most promising treatments that has been developed to combat prostate cancer, especially if it has progressed or evolved to its castration-resistant form. In ways that allow more patients to live longer with less suffering and side effects, it has transformed the field of prostate cancer treatment. Hence, abiraterone gives us hope for a future where prostate cancer is increasingly manageable and patients can look forward to brighter days.