Evaluation of maintenance of the common androgen deprivation therapy with the new antiandrogen therapy in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer: a systematic review

Abstract

Advanced prostate cancer does not respond to traditional androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) at some point in the treatment. The development of new hormonal agents demonstrated clear efficacy and changed the treatment scenario. To evaluate the use of new antiandrogens alone versus their use in combination with maintenance ADT in patients with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer. A literature systematic review of randomized clinical trials, cohorts, and real-life studies including patients who received the new antiandrogens with or without ADT due to histologic confirmed advanced castration-resistant prostate adenocarcinoma was carried out. 2181 articles were identified and three studies were included with a total of 246 patients. Two studies were randomized clinical trials, and the third was a retrospective study, which showed similar results for both arms, in relation to PSA response, radiological progression-free survival, and testosterone levels, in addition to cost analysis with savings avoided in the ADT maintenance-free arm. Despite the positive data, it is still not possible to categorically state whether there is a statistical benefit in suspending the ADT during the use of new antiandrogens, due to the heterogeneity of the studies. The literature is limited on the issue. Available data are still immature with no clear benefit of the use of newer antiandrogens alone in the setting of advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer.