Castrate Levels Of Testosterone Research Articles

Effectiveness of surgical castration by bilateral subcapsular orchiectomy as monotherapy for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and the second cause of death due to cancer [1]. Treatment of prostate cancer has been a field of many progresses, but the discovery of the role of androgen in the genesis of prostate cancer by Hugins and Hodges is really a milestone in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer [2]. In patients with advanced prostate cancer, options for androgen ablation include bilateral orchiectomy, therapy with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues and antagonists, and combined androgen blockade (typically a LHRH analogue plus a first-generation anti-androgen). Although orchiectomy remains the historical gold standard for androgen ablation, LHRH therapy is considered to be equivalent therapeutically. Medical castration has the advantage to induce less psychological effects comparatively to the surgery, reason why in developed countries patients are managed with medical therapy [3]. However, LHRH agonists cannot induce a complete castration levels of testosterone in some patients [4]. Instead, surgical castration can completely eliminate remaining testosterone produced by the Leydig cells in testes [5]. According to the latest recommendations of the European Association of Urology (EAU), androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the firstline indication in patients with advanced and metastatic PCa [6]. This first line is made of LHRH agonists, surgical castration representing the second line [7] And Several techniques of surgical castration have been described with comparable results in terms of patient survival and quality of life, but the sub-capsular technique of preserving testicular albuginea and epididymis is the most commonly used [8]. The relatively high cost of chemical castration is a constraint in the therapeutic choice in developing countries [9]. Therefore, surgical castration is an interesting alternative because of its simplicity and affordability in patients, most of whom have no health insurance. In Togo, most patients diagnosed with prostate cancer are at the metastasis stage, and surgical castration is often used as first-line treatment [10]. The aim of this study was to assess the biological and clinical effectiveness of surgical castration as the sole treatment in patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Comparative Efficacy of Goserelin vs. Leuprolide in Advanced Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Comparative Efficacy of Goserelin vs. Leuprolide in Advanced Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Testosterone suppression and recovery in patients with advanced prostate cancer treated with intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (iADT) with relugolix.

70 Background: Many patients with advanced prostate cancer do not want to pursue continuous androgen deprivation therapy (cADT) because of concerns about side effects, and pursue iADT. However, even intermittent treatment with GNRH agonist therapy may not lead to rapid recovery of testosterone during the off-treatment period. In the pivotal HERO trial of relugolix (GNRH antagonist) the testosterone recovery time was in weeks [PMID 32469183]. The objective of the study was to measure the time to testosterone suppression to castrate level and time to recovery of serum testosterone to non-castrate level in real-world patients with advanced prostate cancer undergoing intermittent relugolix therapy. Methods: In this IRB-approved retrospective study, the eligibility was: patients with advanced prostate cancer undergoing iADT with relugolix. iADT with relugolix was defined as initiating relugolix at PSA ≥ 10 ng/ml and holding relugolix when PSA ≤ 4 ng/ml. The primary endpoints were: 1) time to serum castrate level of testosterone after relugolix initiation and 2) time to recovery to non-castrate level after discontinuation of relugolix. Castrate level of serum testosterone was defined as serum testosterone level ≤ 50 ng/dL. Results: Overall 25 consecutive patients with advanced prostate cancer treated with iADT with relugolix were eligible and included. The median age was 75 [range 68-88]. Patients with a Gleason score of ≥ 8 comprised 44% of the cohort. The median PSA at the start of therapy was 18.2 ng/ml [5.1 – 99.1 ng/ml]. Median time to testosterone ≤ 50 ng/dl after relugolix initiation was 1.13 months [0.67 – 2.5 months], and median time to testosterone recovery after relugolix discontinuation was 1.4 months [0.83 – 6.57 months]. The median PSA nadir achieved with relugolix was 2.02 ng/ml [0.1 – 4.8], and median time to PSA nadir was 1.35 months from initiation of therapy (0.67 – 4.8 months). Median time to PSA relapse ≥ 10 ng/dl after holding relugolix was 3.4 months (0.9 – 8.23 months). Conclusions: This is the first real-world study to show that iADT with relugolix is associated with a rapid time to testosterone suppression and recovery. These results may guide patients’ counseling, monitoring of serum testosterone and PSA levels in patients wishing to pursue iADT for advanced prostate cancer. These hypothesis-generating data need external validation.

Utility of PSMA PET Guided Metastasis-Directed Radiotherapy

Metastasis-directed radiotherapy (MDT) is becoming a mainstay in the management of oligometastatic prostate cancer (PCa), and PSMA-PET is currently the most sensitive imaging modality for PCa metastasis screening. The efficacy of MDT guided by PSMA-PET imaging has not yet been well characterized. Moreover, the optimal role of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in the context of MDT is not known. We sought to assess the efficacy of PSMA PET-guided MDT in patients with metastatic PCa treated with and without ADT. This is a single institutional retrospective study of patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer by PSMA-PET imaging who were treated with MDT. Biochemical progression was defined as a PSA increase of ≥ 25% and ≥ 2 ng/mL if PSA was ≥ 2 ng/mL at time of initiating salvage treatment, or a PSA increase of ≥ 25% if PSA was < 2 ng/mL at time of salvage treatment. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank testing for significance. Cumulative incidence analyses were performed with Gray's testing for significance. Adverse event data were assessed per CTCAE v5 guidelines. A total of 196 PSMA PET-avid lesions from 101 patients were irradiated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Median time from prior definitive locoregional therapy to MDT was 6.2 years. 79 patients had hormone-sensitive PCa (HSPC) and 22 patients had castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) at time of MDT. 47 of 79 (59%) patients with HSPC received ADT along with MDT, and 20 of the 47 patients received augmented ADT. 25 of the 32 (78%) HSPC patients receiving MDT without ADT had undergone at least one prior course of ADT, and none had castrate levels of testosterone at time of MDT with a median testosterone level of 341 ng/dl. With a median follow-up of 22.4 months, 5 of 196 lesions (2.6%) demonstrated radiographic progression. 2-year cumulative incidence of progression from HSPC to CRPC was 11% in patients who received ADT at time of MDT and 35% in those who did not (P = 0.027). Median biochemical progression free survival of patients with CRPC, HSPC treated without ADT, and HSPC treated with ADT following MDT was 5.4, 7.6, and 43.9 months respectively (P<0.0001). 2-year overall survival of the abovementioned groups was 72.2%, 100%, and 97.5% respectively (P<0.001). No Grade 3-5 adverse effects were observed. MDT guided by PSMA-PET imaging is well-tolerated and delays biochemical progression in patients with CRPC and HSPC, with a greater effect observed in patients also receiving ADT.

Maintenance of castration with concomitant relugolix and apalutamide (Apa) in patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer (HR-LPC): 1 year update.

e17094 Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a mainstay in the management of prostate cancer (PC). We assessed the efficacy of achieving and maintaining castrate testosterone (T) levels when combining relugolix, an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, concomitantly with Apa, an androgen receptor inhibitor. The single-arm, open-label, multicenter, phase 2 Apa-RP study evaluates the biochemical recurrence-free rate in patients with HR-LPC following radical prostatectomy (RP) who received 12 months of adjuvant Apa and ADT (main study). A substudy was added to assess whether the approved maintenance dose of relugolix with concomitant Apa maintained castration. Study results of the 28-day coadministration of relugolix + Apa showed that all evaluable patients achieved and maintained castration at standard relugolix dose and were transitioned into the main study (Brown et al. Target Oncol. 2022). Herein, we report longer term data of T levels and safety findings in the substudy patients who received relugolix + Apa for 1 year. Methods: Patients (n = 12) with HR-LPC (PSA ≥20 ng/mL or Gleason score ≥8) received a loading dose of relugolix (360 mg) at substudy initiation (Day -14) followed by the standard, approved relugolix dose (120 mg/d) for 13 days. Starting on Day 1, patients received relugolix + Apa (240 mg/d) for 28 days, with substudy completion on Day 28. These patients transitioned to the main study and received relugolix + Apa for a total of 1 year. T levels (castrate level defined as &lt; 50 ng/dL) were measured at baseline (Day -14), Day 1, Day 28, and then every 3 months. Results: Of the 12 patients who continued onto the main study, 1 withdrew and another was noncompliant with therapy and subsequently withdrew but maintained castration while on therapy. Of the 10 patients who successfully completed therapy, 100% maintained castration during 1 year of concomitant therapy with relugolix + Apa . No patient required dose modification of relugolix. Median T level was 10.0 ng/dL after 1 year of treatment. One month after treatment discontinuation, 8/10 (80%) patients saw recovery of their T (T ≥50 ng/dL). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in all 12 patients (100%). TEAEs were consistent with known safety profiles for each drug administered separately. Conclusions: During the 12 months of concomitant relugolix + Apa administration, all patients who completed therapy maintained castrate T levels without relugolix dose modification. All but 2 patients had T recovery within 30 days of therapy discontinuation. These data support long-term T suppression with relugolix + Apa at standard doses. Subsequent T levels will be reported upon final analysis of the main study. Clinical trial information: NCT04523207 .

A Phase I Clinical Trial Evaluating the Safety and Dosing of Relugolix with Novel Hormonal Therapy for the Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a cornerstone of prostate cancer treatment, is commonly co-prescribed as combination therapy. To better understand the safety and tolerability profile of relugolix, an oral non-peptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist, in combination with abiraterone acetate (abiraterone) and apalutamide, a phase I study was undertaken. This is an ongoing, 52-week, open-label, parallel cohort study of relugolix in combination with abiraterone in men with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) [Part 1] and apalutamide in men with mCSPC or non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) [Part 2]. Eligible patients treated with leuprolide acetate or degarelix with abiraterone or apalutamide prior to baseline, at which time they were transitioned to relugolix. Assessments included reporting of adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, vital sign measurements, electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, and testosterone serum concentrations. In this interim report, patients completing ≥12 weeks were included. Overall, 15 men were enrolled in Part 1 and 10 in Part 2. Adverse events were mostly mild-to-moderate in intensity and were consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual medications. No transition (from prior ADT treatment)- or time-related trends in clinical laboratory tests, vital sign measurements, or ECG parameters were observed. Mean testosterone concentrations remained below castration levels. Combination therapy of relugolix and abiraterone or apalutamide was associated with a favorable safety and tolerability profile consistent with the known profiles of the individual medications. Castration levels of testosterone were maintained after transitioning to relugolix from other ADTs. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04666129.

Prevalence and Natural History of Non-metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Population-Based Analysis.

To determine the prevalence and natural history of nmCRPC prior to the adoption of novel androgen receptor axis-targeting therapies(ARAT). This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of men with nmCRPC in Ontario, Canada between January 2007-March 2018. Patients with prostate cancer, castrate level of testosterone(<1.7nmol/L) and a PSA>2.0ng/mL with a subsequent rise>25% from the nadir, and without metastasis were included. Annual prevalence of nmCRPC was calculated. Crude time from nmCRPC to metastasis and all-cause death are presented as medians with interquartile range(IQR). Predictors of time from nmCRPC to death were compared using univariable and multivariable cox proportional hazard models. We identified 2045 patients with nmCRPC. Median age was 79(IQR:72-84). 984 patients(48.1%) received upfront hormonal therapy while 583(28.5%) received initial radiotherapy and 478(23.4%) underwent radical prostatectomy. Median time from primary treatment to nmCRPC was 6 years(IQR:3-10). The average annual prevalence of nmCRPC was 8% among men receiving ADT. Crude median time from nmCRPC to death was 37.6 months(IQR:22.1-55.4). Median time from nmCRPC to metastasis and metastasis to death was 20.0 and 8.3 months, respectively. Patients who had primary surgery experienced longer crude survival. Older patients, patients who had a higher PSA at nmCRPC, and patients with grade group 4 to 5 disease had a shorter time from nmCRPC to death. This is the largest population-level analysis of the prevalence and natural history of nmCRPC. The current study can be used as a historical cohort to compare how novel imaging modalities and ARAT impact prevalence and disease trajectory over time.

Apalutamid for treatment of nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostste cancer – case study

A special form of prostate cancer is non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Patients with this form have rising prostate-specific antigen and castrate testosterone levels, with no radiological findings of metastatic disease on computed tomography and bone scan. The phase III trials demonstrated apalutamide, darolutamide or enzalutamide to be associated with a significantly longer median metastasis-free survival. The featured description presents one case of man with non-metastatic castration- resistant prostate cancer who was treated with apalutamide.

Serum testosterone measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is an independent predictor of response to castration in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

BackgroundAlthough testosterone levels have been associated with progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) patients, this has primarily been investigated using inaccurate immunoassays (IA). Here, we investigated whether castrate testosterone levels determined by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay is an independent risk factor for treatment response in mHSPC. MethodsIn total, 106 mHSPC patients treated with luteinizing-hormone releasing-hormone (LHRH) agonists were retrospectively analyzed between March 2018 and August 2021. Testosterone levels in serum samples were quantitated using an LC-MS/MS assay. In a subset of patients, IA (Roche Cobas Pro) values were compared with LC-MS/MS results. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models. ResultsMedian PFS was shorter for high testosterone levels (>0.231 nmol/L, 18.4 v. 42.6 months, HR 1.7, p = 0.018). Low testosterone levels and a PSA response below 4 ng/mL was associated with longer median PFS (46.2 months) than the remaining combinations (13.8–19.3 months, 3.4–5.8, overall p < 0.01). In 67 patients, testosterone levels below the median remained associated with longer PFS, whereas IA measurements did not show a similar difference. ConclusionOur results suggest that high castration testosterone levels measured by LC-MS/MS is an independent response predictor for mHSPC patients.

Flare on [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT after short-term androgen deprivation therapy and its correlation to FDG uptake: possible marker of tumor aggressiveness in treatment-naïve metastatic prostate cancer patients

PurposeShort-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is known to increase heterogeneously prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression. This phenomenon might indicate the potential of cancer lesions to respond to ADT. In this prospective study, we evaluated the flare on [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT after ADT in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Given that aggressive PCa tends to display FDG uptake, we particularly investigated whether the changes in PSMA uptake might correlate with glucose metabolism.MethodsTwenty-five men with newly diagnosed treatment-naïve metastatic PCa were enrolled in this prospective registered clinical trial. All the patients underwent [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT immediately before and 3–4 weeks after ADT initiation (degarelix). Before ADT, [18F]FDG PET/CT was also performed. Standardized uptake values (SUV)max of primary and metastatic lesions were calculated in all PET scans. Serum PSA and testosterone blood samples were collected before the two PSMA PET scans. The changes in PSMA uptake after ADT were represented as ΔSUVmax.ResultsAll the patients reached castration levels of testosterone at the time of the second [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT. Overall, 57 prostate, 314 lymph nodes (LN), and 406 bone lesions were analyzed. After ADT, 104 (26%) bone, 33 (11%) LN, and 6 (11%) prostate lesions showed an increase (≥ 20%) in PSMA uptake, with a median ΔSUVmax of + 50%, + 60%, and + 45%, respectively. Among the lesions detected at the baseline [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 63% bone and 46% LN were FDG-positive. In these metastases, a negative correlation was observed between the PSMA ΔSUVmax and FDG SUVmax (p < 0.0001). Moreover, a negative correlation between the ΔSUVmax and the decrease in serum PSA after ADT was noted (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsA heterogeneous increase in PSMA uptake after ADT was detected, most evidently in bone metastases. We observed a negative correlation between the PSMA flare and the intensity of glucose uptake as well as the decrease of serum PSA, suggesting that lesions presenting with such flare might potentially be less aggressive.Trial registrationNCT03876912, registered 15 March 2019.

Phase II Trial of Sipuleucel-T and Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiation for Patients with Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

(1) We hypothesized that adding concurrent stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SAbR) would increase the time to progression in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPCA) treated with sipuleucel-T. (2) Patients with a history of prostate cancer (PC), radiographic evidence of metastatic disease, and rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) > 0.2 ng/dL on castrate testosterone levels were enrolled in this single-arm phase II clinical trial and treated with sipuleucel-T and SAbR. The primary endpoint was time to progression (TTP). Cellular and humoral responses were measured using ELISpot and Luminex multiplex assays, respectively. (3) Twenty patients with mCRPC were enrolled and treated with SAbR to 1–3 sites. Treatment was well tolerated with 51, 8, and 4 treatment-related grade 1, 2, and 3 toxicities, respectively, and no grade 4 or 5 adverse events. At a median follow-up of 15.5 months, the median TTP was 11.2 weeks (95% CI; 6.8–14.0 weeks). Median OS was 76.8 weeks (95% CI; 41.6–130.8 weeks). This regimen induced both humoral and cellular immune responses. Baseline M-MDSC levels were elevated in mCRPC patients compared to healthy donors (p = 0.004) and a decline in M-MDSC was associated with biochemical response (p = 0.044). Responders had lower baseline uric acid levels (p = 0.05). No clear correlation with radiographic response was observed. (4) While the regimen was safe, the PC-antigen-specific immune response induced by SAbR did not yield a synergistic clinical benefit for patients treated with sipuleucel-T compared to the historically reported outcomes.

Real-world treatment patterns among veterans with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).

e17042 Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. Veterans. Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) occurs in patients who, despite having received androgen deprivation therapy, experience a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and castrate testosterone levels, with no evidence of metastatic disease on radiographic imaging. Given the recent approval of novel antiandrogens, the treatment landscape for nmCRPC has rapidly evolved. Although there have been numerous clinical trials examining the safety and efficacy of these treatments, few studies have identified real-world treatment patterns among nmCRPC patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using patient information obtained from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinical Cancer Registry and the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) to identify patients who were diagnosed with PC at the VA, and later developed nmCRPC, defined as having: (1) evidence of rising PSA, i.e., 2 consecutive increases in PSA concentration over a baseline value; (2) evidence of ongoing androgen deprivation consisting of a serum testosterone level of ≤50 ng/dL (≤2.0 nmol/L); and (3) no evidence of metastatic disease on radiology reports. Treatments were extracted from CDW pharmacy dispensation records and were indexed at nmCRPC diagnosis. Results: A total of 12,549 patients were diagnosed with nmCRPC and treated in the VA from 2006 to 2020; of these, 7,239 (58%) were white, 3,386 (27%) were black, 784 (6%) were Hispanic, and 1,140 (9%) other. Median age at PC diagnosis was 69 years, with most patients residing in the South 4,817 (38%). Of the 7,659 (61%) patients receiving first-line (1L) nmCRPC therapy, 5,508 (72%) received bicalutamide, 621 (8%) ketoconazole, 563 (7%) abiraterone, 492 (6%) enzalutamide, and 242 (3%) flutamide. Although bicalutamide remained the most frequently used 1L nmCRPC therapy regardless of year, the adoption of abiraterone and enzalutamide beginning in 2012 resulted in a decline of 1L bicalutamide from 80% of patients in 2006 to 43% in 2020. Ketoconazole was the second most common 1L nmCRPC therapy and the most common second-line (2L) and third line (3L) nmCRPC therapy. Of patients receiving 1L therapy, 2,244 (31%) received 2L therapy, and of these, 708 (32%) received 3L therapy. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest real-world cohort of nmCRPC patients treated in a nationwide equal-access health care system. Despite the recent approval of several nmCRPC treatments (apalutamide, darolutamide, enzalutamide) which have demonstrated improved metastasis-free survival and treatment-related quality of life, our real-world findings suggest that older, first-generation antiandrogens remain the predominant 1L treatment for nmCRPC patients.

MP48-03 PREVALENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY OF NON-METASTATIC CASTRATE RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER: A POPULATION-BASED ANALYSIS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP48-03 PREVALENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY OF NON-METASTATIC CASTRATE RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER: A POPULATION-BASED ANALYSIS Amanda Hird, Erind Dvorani, Refik Saskin, Sender Herschorn, Ronald Kodama, Girish Kulkarni, and Robert Nam Amanda HirdAmanda Hird More articles by this author , Erind DvoraniErind Dvorani More articles by this author , Refik SaskinRefik Saskin More articles by this author , Sender HerschornSender Herschorn More articles by this author , Ronald KodamaRonald Kodama More articles by this author , Girish KulkarniGirish Kulkarni More articles by this author , and Robert NamRobert Nam More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002619.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The natural history of non-metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) prior to the introduction of novel anti-androgen agents in a real-world setting is largely unknown. Our primary aim was to determine the prevalence and natural history of nmCRPC. METHODS: This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of men with nmCRPC in Ontario, Canada. Patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, castrate level of testosterone (<1.7 nmol/L) and a PSA >2.0 nmol/L with a subsequent rise >25% from the nadir, and without diagnostic or treatment codes for metastasis were included. Annual prevalence of nmCRPC was calculated. Crude time from nmCRPC to metastasis and death are presented as medians with interquartile range (IQR). Predictors of time from nmCRPC to prostate cancer death were compared using univariable and multivariable Fine and Gray subdistributional hazard models to account for the competing risk of non-prostate cancer death. RESULTS: From January 2007 until March 2018, we identified 2045 patients with nmCRPC. Median age was 79 years (IQR: 72-84). A total of 984 patients (48.1%) received upfront hormonal therapy while 584 (25.8%) received initial radiotherapy (RT) and 478 (23.4%) previously underwent radical prostatectomy. Median time from primary treatment to nmCRPC was 6 years (IQR: 3-10). PSA at the time of meeting nmCRPC criteria was a median of 3.0 ng/L. Patients were followed for a median 31.1 months (IQR: 19.8-47.9). The overall annual prevalence of nmCRPC ranged from 1,519-1,913 patients, representing 7-12% of men with prostate cancer prescribed androgen deprivation therapy each year. Crude median time from nmCRPC to all-cause death was 37.6 months (IQR: 22.1-55.4). Median time from nmCRPC to metastasis and metastasis to all-cause death was 20.0 and 8.3 months, respectively. On regression analysis, older patients, patients who had a higher PSA at the time of meeting nmCRPC criteria, and patients with grade group 4-5 disease had a shorter time from nmCRPC to prostate cancer death. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest analysis of the prevalence and natural history of nmCRPC. The current study can be used as a historical cohort to compare how novel imaging modalities and advancements in systemic therapy for patients with nmCRPC impact prevalence estimates and disease trajectory over time. Source of Funding: This study was supported by ICES, which is funded by an annual grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) (grant number not applicable). This study also received funding from the Ajmera Family Chair in Urologic Oncology awarded to RKN (grant number not applicable). We thank IQVIA Solutions Canada Inc. for use of their Drug Information File © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e821 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Amanda Hird More articles by this author Erind Dvorani More articles by this author Refik Saskin More articles by this author Sender Herschorn More articles by this author Ronald Kodama More articles by this author Girish Kulkarni More articles by this author Robert Nam More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

MP48-05 CHANGES IN PITUITARY–GONADAL HORMONES AFTER ENZALUTAMIDE OR ABIRATERONE PLUS PREDNISONE IN MEN WITH CASTRATION-RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER (HEAT): RESULTS FROM A RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP48-05 CHANGES IN PITUITARY–GONADAL HORMONES AFTER ENZALUTAMIDE OR ABIRATERONE PLUS PREDNISONE IN MEN WITH CASTRATION-RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER (HEAT): RESULTS FROM A RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL Klara Ternov, Jens Sønksen, Mikkel Fode, Henriette Lindberg, Caroline Kistorp, Rasmus Bisbjerg, Jens Faber, Ganesh Palapattu, and Peter Busch Østergren Klara TernovKlara Ternov More articles by this author , Jens SønksenJens Sønksen More articles by this author , Mikkel FodeMikkel Fode More articles by this author , Henriette LindbergHenriette Lindberg More articles by this author , Caroline KistorpCaroline Kistorp More articles by this author , Rasmus BisbjergRasmus Bisbjerg More articles by this author , Jens FaberJens Faber More articles by this author , Ganesh PalapattuGanesh Palapattu More articles by this author , and Peter Busch ØstergrenPeter Busch Østergren More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002619.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Enzalutamide (ENZ) and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) are both androgen receptor targeting treatments for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). AAP inhibits the androgen production, whereas ENZ blocks the androgen receptor signalling. Herein, we compare treatment changes between ENZ and AAP in hormones of the pituitary–gonadal axis. METHODS: First-line ENZ (160 mg/day) and AAP (1000 mg abiraterone acetate and 10 mg prednisone/day) for mCRPC were compared in this randomised (1:1) phase IV trial. Eligible patients had progressive metastatic prostate cancer castrate levels of testosterone (<1.7 nmol/L). Fasting serum hormones, including testosterone, free-testosterone, sexual hormone binding globulin (SHGB), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), were measured by the gold standard assay liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry before 11 am at baseline and at 12-week post-intervention. The treatment difference in changed hormones was compared with logarithmic mixed models analysis, and the within-subject change for each treatment group was analysed with logarithmic paired samples t-test. RESULTS: From June 2017 to September 2019, 170 participants were randomized to receive ENZ (n=84 analysed) or AAP (n=85 analysed). A 19.9% higher increase in FSH was found for ENZ than AAP. A larger decline in testosterone and SHGB was found for AAP than ENZ. More patients had lower than detectable levels of free-testosterone in the AAP group (83/85) than the ENZ group (6/84) (chi-square test p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In men with castrate-levels of testosterone, ENZ and AAP both inhibit the androgen stimulation of prostate cancer, but by different mechanism of action resulting in different pituitary–gonadal hormonal profiles. Source of Funding: Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e821 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Klara Ternov More articles by this author Jens Sønksen More articles by this author Mikkel Fode More articles by this author Henriette Lindberg More articles by this author Caroline Kistorp More articles by this author Rasmus Bisbjerg More articles by this author Jens Faber More articles by this author Ganesh Palapattu More articles by this author Peter Busch Østergren More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Targeting the androgen receptor signaling pathway in advanced prostate cancer.

This article summarizes current androgen receptor (AR)-directed therapies that have received regulatory approval for the treatment of advanced prostate adenocarcinoma (herein referred to as prostate cancer, PC). PC is an androgen-dependent malignancy in which ligands including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone bind to AR, initiating androgen-AR complex translocation to the nucleus followed by AR-mediated transcription of target genes. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), including gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists with or without AR antagonists (antiandrogens), GnRH antagonists, or bilateral orchiectomy, forms the backbone of treatment for patients with metastatic castration-naive PC and/or castration-resistant PC (CRPC). ADT is also an option for high-risk, early-stage PC after prostatectomy and/or radiation. While ADT is often very effective as initial therapy, resistance ultimately develops despite suppression of gonadal and/or adrenal androgens, leading to CRPC, which is characterized by mechanisms such as reactivation of the AR signaling pathway, AR gene overexpression, and mutations in the ligand-binding domain of AR that lead to disease progression, resulting in increased symptom burden and ultimately death. However, disease in patients with CRPC is still dependent on androgen signaling, and these patients continue on ADT to maintain a castrate level of serum testosterone. Novel hormonal therapies including agents that target AR directly (eg, AR antagonists) are often added to ADT in this setting. Targeting the AR signaling pathway led to the development of second-generation AR antagonists, examples of which include enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide. These agents do not exhibit partial agonism, possess a higher affinity for AR, and are postulated to improve survival outcomes relative to their first-generation counterparts for patients with CRPC. Lastly, the emergence of ADT, including second-generation AR antagonists, has led to the development of supportive care for treatment-related adverse effects. Major advances have been made in targeting the AR signaling pathway in patients with advanced PC. Further studies are warranted to identify the optimal sequencing of therapies to maximize treatment benefit. Mitigation of treatment-related adverse effects presents new opportunities to advance clinical pharmacy practice.

Prevalence and natural history of non-metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer: A population-based analysis.

65 Background: The natural history of non-metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) prior to the introduction of novel anti-androgen agents in a real-world setting is largely unknown. Methods: This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of men with nmCRPC in Ontario, Canada. Patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, castrate level of testosterone ( &lt; 1.7nmol/L) and a PSA &gt; 2.0nmol/L with a subsequent rise &gt; 25% from the nadir, and without diagnostic or treatment codes for metastasis were included. Annual prevalence of nmCRPC was calculated. Crude time from nmCRPC to metastasis and death are presented as medians with interquartile range (IQR). Predictors of time from nmCRPC to prostate cancer death were compared using univariable and multivariable Fine and Gray subdistributional hazard models to account for the competing risk of non-prostate cancer death. Results: From January 2007 until March 2018, we identified 2045 patients with nmCRPC. Median age was 79 years (IQR: 72-84). A total of 984 patients (48.1%) received upfront hormonal therapy while 584 (25.8%) received initial radiotherapy (RT) and 478 (23.4%) underwent radical prostatectomy. Median time from primary treatment to nmCRPC was 6 years (IQR: 3-10). PSA at the time of meeting nmCRPC criteria was a median of 3.0 ng/L. Patients were followed for a median 31.1 months (IQR: 19.8-47.9). The overall annual prevalence of nmCRPC ranged from 1,519-1,913 patients, representing 7-12% of men with prostate cancer prescribed androgen deprivation therapy each year. Crude median time from nmCRPC to all-cause death was 37.6 months (IQR: 22.1-55.4). Median time from nmCRPC to metastasis and metastasis to all-cause death was 20.0 and 8.3 months, respectively. On regression analysis, older age, ADT use with primary treatment, higher PSA at the time of meeting nmCRPC criteria, and grade group predicted time from nmCRPC to prostate cancer death. Conclusions: This is the largest analysis of the prevalence and natural history of nmCRPC. The current study can be used as a historical cohort to compare how novel imaging modalities and advancements in systemic therapy for patients with nmCRPC impact prevalence estimates and disease trajectory over time.

Molecular and Metabolic Imaging of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: State of Art and Future Prospects

Prostate cancer (PCa) represents to be the most common tumor in male and one of the most relevant causes of death in the Western countries. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) constitutes a widely used approach in advanced PCa. When PCa progresses in spite of ADT and castrate levels of testosterone, the severe clinical condition termed as metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) takes place. The only approach to mCRPC has been represented by chemotherapy with taxanes for many years. Nevertheless, recently introduced treatments such as 2nd generation antiandrogens (i.e., enzalutamide and abiraterone), cell immunotherapy with sipuleucel-T or targeted alpha therapy with 223Ra-dichloride, have dramatically changed mCRPC prognosis. These novel therapies call for an unmet need for imaging biomarkers suitable for patients' pre-treatment stratification and response assessment. In this scenario, nuclear medicine can provide several metabolic and molecular probes for investigating pathological processes at a cellular and sub-cellular level. The aim of this paper is to review the most relevant findings of the literature published to date on this topic, giving particular emphasis on the pros and cons of each tracer and also covering future prospects for defining personalized therapeutic approaches.

Apalutamide – 10 clinically important facts

Apalutamide belongs to the ARTA group. This drug is a new generation selective androgen receptor inhibitor. Patients with prostate cancer develop resistance to castration testosterone levels over timeduring hormone therapy. Therefore, it is necessary to consider additional therapeutic options based on drugs from the ARTA group. Apalutamide is used in the treatment of patients with non-metastatic as well as metastatic prostate cancer. This article presents the most important clinical facts about apalutamide.

The site of apalutamide in the treatment of prostate cancer

Apalutamide belongs to the ARTA group. This drug is a new generation selective androgen receptor inhibitor. Patients with prostate cancer develop resistance to castration testosterone levels over time during hormone therapy. Therefore, it is necessary to consider additional therapeutic options based on drugs from the ARTA group. The article presents the role of apalutamide in the treatment of prostate cancer and its effectiveness. Moreover, attention was drawn to the need for close cooperation between the urologist and the oncologist in order to optimize the treatment of a patient with progressive prostate cancer.

Ex vivo Akt inhibition reverses castration induced internal pudendal artery and penile endothelial dysfunction

AimsAndrogen deprivation therapy is a common prostate cancer treatment which causes men to have castrate levels of testosterone. Unfortunately, most testosterone deficient patients will suffer severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and have no effective ED treatment options. Testosterone deficiency causes endothelial dysfunction and impairs penile vasodilation necessary to maintain an erection. Recent evidence demonstrates testosterone activates androgen receptors (AR) and generates nitric oxide (NO) through the Akt-endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) pathway; however, it remains unknown how castration impacts this signaling pathway. Materials and methodsIn this study, we used a surgically castrated rat model to determine how castration impacts ex vivo internal pudendal artery (IPA) and penile relaxation through the Akt-eNOS pathway. Key findingsUnlike systemic vasculature, castration causes significant IPA and penis endothelial dysfunction associated with a 50% AR reduction. Though testosterone and acetylcholine (ACh) both phosphorylate Akt and eNOS, castration did not affect testosterone-mediated IPA and penile Akt or eNOS phosphorylation. Surprisingly, castration increases ACh-mediated Akt and eNOS phosphorylation but reduces the eNOS dimer to monomer ratio. Akt inhibition using 10DEBC preserves IPA eNOS dimers. Functionally, 10DEBC reverses castration induced ex vivo IPA and penile endothelial dysfunction. SignificanceThese data demonstrate how castration uncouples eNOS and provide a novel strategy for improving endothelial-dependent relaxation necessary for an erection. Further studies are needed to determine if Akt inhibition may treat or even prevent ED in testosterone deficient prostate cancer survivors.