In this podcast discussion, we review the landscape of androgen deprivation therapies (ADT) for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Prior to 2020, available ADT options to achieve chemical castration included gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor agonists (e.g., leuprolide) and antagonists (e.g., degarelix) administered via muscular or subcutaneous injection. In 2020, the once-daily oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, relugolix, received US regulatory approval for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer based on results from the Phase III HERO trial. In this podcast, we also discuss the primary efficacy and safety results of this trial, and key points for providers and patients to consider as they discuss the different ADT options.
Keywords: GnRH agonists; GnRH antagonists; advanced prostate cancer; androgen deprivation therapy; podcast; relugolix.
The goal of this podcast is to help doctors and patients learn about and discuss the different androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) options used to treat advanced prostate cancer. Advanced prostate cancer is a type of cancer that started in the prostate and has spread outside of the prostate. Prostate cancers generally need the male sex hormone, called testosterone, to grow. Treatment for advanced prostate cancer often includes lowering testosterone levels through medicines called ADTs. The authors discuss the HERO trial, which looked at relugolix (the only ADT taken orally [by mouth]) and compared it with another type of ADT called leuprolide, which is given by injection at a doctor's office. The authors discuss the effectiveness and side effects of these.