Enzalutamide is a drug explicitly made available through prescription to patients with prostate cancer. It blocks androgen receptors, thus limiting cancer cells’ growth of tumors. Advanced prostate cancer patients need to be prescribed enzalutamide either before or after chemotherapy. This is in contrast to traditional chemotherapy, which acts on hormone pathways; hence, in many cases, enzalutamide is preferred.
Prostate cancer is one of the more frequently seen types of cancer in men. Its treatment, namely with Enzalutamide, has rendered longer survival and increased quality of life. Acceptably, patients and caregivers must know how this drug works, its side effects, and its price. This article discusses everything from mechanisms to pricing.
What is Enzalutamide?
Enzalutamide prevents the binding of testosterone with the cancer cell thus slowing down tumor growth. It is an androgen receptor inhibitor. The main use of the drug is for metastatic and non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The oral pill form is usually administered at an Enzalutamide 160 mg/day dose.
Enzalutamide is preferred to older methods of treatment for its efficacy and its mechanisms of action in blocking the androgen receptor directly without reliance on steroids. It has been FDA-approved for prostate cancer treatment and is now in general use. Due to Enzalutamide’s mechanisms of action Potential role in other cancers is under research.
How Does Enzalutamide Work?
The action of Enzalutamide is on androgen receptors located in prostate cancer cells. This is because androgens such as testosterone stimulate prostate cancer growth. By blocking androgens from binding with cancer cells, this drug prevents cancer from spreading, whereas some other normal hormonal drugs reduce testosterone levels.
That is the reason why it works better than in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Patients treated with Enzalutamide showed an increase in survival time and a delay in the progression of the disease. Some doctors are comparing enzalutamide with another androgen receptor inhibitor, abiraterone, and again, without additional steroid treatment.
Approved Indications Enzalutamide.
It is prescribed by oncologists for both metastatic and non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). It is approved for use in men whose prostate cancer continues to grow despite treatment aimed at lowering testosterone levels. In metastatic cases, it slows the spread of cancer; in non-metastatic cases, it prevents disease progression.
According to FDA-approved prescribing information, Enzalutamide is used before and after chemotherapy for the stage of cancer. The research output brightens the overall survival with the early use of Enzalutamide. Studies are also ongoing for other hormone-sensitive cancers.
Dosages Administration
Enzalutamide is taken orally, with a standard dose being 160 mg by mouth once a day. Standard practice today is to dispense the drug in four capsules, each containing 40 mg of Enzalutamide. It may be taken with or without food; however, patients are advised to remain consistent with the timing. The efficacy of the drug can be affected by missing doses; hence, it is essential to adhere to the dosage regimen.
The doctor may alter the dosage given side effects or co-medications. Some patients with severe liver or renal impairment may be required to receive lower doses. Details on dose adjustment can be found in the prescribing information.
Side Effects and Risks
Side effects of Enzalutamide are possible.
- The common side effects are Fatigue,
- Hypertension, and hot flashes.
- Joint Discomfort,
- Dizziness, and
- Manageable in most cases.
- Seizures,
- CV problems, and
- Liver toxicity represents more serious risks.
Longtermm side effects of Enzalutamide
- Some studies indicate that prolonged usage incurs an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Patients should inform their physician if they experience any of the severe adverse effects. Monitoring within regular check-up assessments is conducted to mitigate risks.
Indication before Usage:
Enzalutamide is indicated for the treatment of prostate cancer that is nonmetastatic and castration-resistant as well as in the case of metastatic CRPC. Consult the relevant doctor or a medical professional before the usage.
It is prescribed by the oncologist to men with prostate cancer which is progressing despite testosterone-lowering therapy. Metastatic disease is managed by slowing the cancer spread, while in the case of the nonmetastatic variety, it is involved with the prolongation of time to progression.
According to FDA-approved prescribing information, Enzalutamide is administered either before or after chemotherapy, depending on the cancer stage. Studies show that early prescription of Enzalutamide promotes the longest survival. Now, ongoing studies are evaluating its potential in other hormone-sensitive cancers.
Dosage and Administration
The standard dosing of Enzalutamide is 160 mg orally once daily. This is customarily given as four capsules of 40 mg Enzalutamide each. It may be taken with food or in a fasting state; however, it is recommended at a similar time each day. Missing doses would be detrimental to treatment outcomes; hence a patient is advised to systematically intake the drug without fail.
Physicians might alter the dosage in case of side effects or interactions with drugs taken concomitantly. Some patients with profound impairment of liver function or clots may need dosage reduction. This is explained in detail on the enzalutamide package insert.
Always consult your Physician or oncologist.
Adverse Reactions and Risks
In practice, like any drug in therapy, Enzalutamide is adorned with its list of side effects.
- More common ones are fatigue, hypertension, and hot flashes.
- Other symptoms reported include joint pain and dizziness, with headaches surfacing among some. Many of these are, under most circumstances, tolerable.
Because of the serious adverse events of seizures, cardiac problems, and hepatotoxicity, it should also be stated that studies showed an association between long-term use and increased cardiovascular events. A patient presenting with severe symptoms should inform his physician. Such adverse risks could be carefully monitored through periodic follow-ups.
Costs of Enzalutamide
Over a month, enzalutamide could cost a couple of thousand bucks, depending on the country, the insurance, or if a is available. In the U.S., in an estimation of the average, it costs a few thousand dollars per month. There is some insurance coverage, but copays might still be pretty steep.
Some patients would opt for enzalutamide in a form, which is available at a lower cost but works just as well. In general, if a is not an option, financial assistance programs aimed at overcoming costs are in place. Bouncing some questions off insurance and maybe some patient assistance programs might help with out-of-pocket expenses.
Comparison of Enzalutamide with Other Treatments for Prostate Cancer
Enzalutamide is normally discussed with its counterpart such as Enzalutamide vs Abiraterone. Both work for prostate cancer.
While Abiraterone impairs testosterone synthesis, Enzalutamide prevents the action of testosterone in cancer cells. Besides, with Enzalutamide, steroid use is not required, making it a better treatment option among some patients.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are other treatment options, yet Enzalutamide is favored, due to its mechanism of action, in cases of castration-resistant prostate cancer. The final decision among these choices will be based on how the patient’s health is doing, the stage of cancer, and what treatments he has undergone previously.
FAQs and Key Takeaways
1- How soon does it start working?
Answer: Studies say it can slow down cancer’s progression in a matter of weeks, but the results vary from person to person.
2- Can it be used together with other drugs?
Answer: Yes, however, some drugs may interact. Always consult with a physician.
3- Does it cure prostate cancer?
Answer: In short, Enzalutamide is an important drug for the advanced state of prostate cancer. It provides an alternative to other treatments for survival, a steroid-free option, and widespread use across the world.
The discussion of side effects, costs, and alternatives should be made between the physicians and the patients so that the most proper approach is taken.
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