Low Incidence of Corticosteroid-associated Adverse Events on Long-term Exposure to Low-dose Prednisone Given with Abiraterone Acetate to Patients with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

A net-work meta-analysis of the cardiac safety for next-generation hormonal agents in treating castration-resistant prostate cancer: How to choose drugs appropriately?

BACKGROUND

Researchers have shown that using next-generation hormonal agents (NHA) for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) would lead to increased risk of cardiac adverse effects, making clinician choices more complex.

METHODS

We systematically searched Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for research published before October 2022. Agents were ranked according to their effectiveness based on cardiac adverse effects using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve.

RESULTS

A total of 21 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) with 19, 083 patients were included in present study. Our results showed that abiraterone and enzalutamide could lead to a significantly higher hypertension rate compared with placebo; whereas no significant difference was detected between four NHAs and placebo in ischemic heart disease incidence. All four NHAs could significantly increase the risk of cardiotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

NHAs are generally acceptable in terms of cardiovascular disease compared to placebo in patients with CRPC.

Risk of metabolic and cardiovascular adverse events with abiraterone or enzalutamide among men with advanced prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Abiraterone and enzalutamide are the most common oral agents for the treatment of men with advanced prostate cancer. To understand their safety profiles in real-world settings, we examined the association between the use of abiraterone or enzalutamide and the risk of metabolic or cardiovascular adverse events while on treatment.

METHODS

Men with advanced prostate cancer and their use of abiraterone or enzalutamide were identified in a 20% sample of the 2010-2017 national Medicare claims. The primary composite outcome was the occurrence of a major metabolic or cardiovascular adverse event, defined as an emergency room visit or hospitalization associated with a primary diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. The secondary composite outcome was the occurrence of a minor metabolic or cardiovascular adverse event, defined as an outpatient visit associated with a primary diagnosis of the aforementioned conditions. Risks were assessed separately for abiraterone and enzalutamide using Cox regression. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

RESULTS

Compared to men not receiving abiraterone, men receiving abiraterone were at increased risk of both a major composite adverse event (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.53-2.05, P<0.001) and a minor composite adverse event (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.47, P=0.01). Compared to men not receiving enzalutamide, men receiving enzalutamide were at an increased risk of a major composite adverse event (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.48, P=0.04) but not a minor composite adverse event (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.83-1.30, P=0.75).

CONCLUSION

Careful monitoring and management of men on abiraterone or enzalutamide through team-based approaches are critical.

The Effect of Corticosteroids on Prostate Cancer Outcome Following Treatment with Enzalutamide: A Multivariate Analysis of the Phase III AFFIRM Trial

PURPOSE

The clinical impact of concurrent corticosteroid use (CCU) on enzalutamide-treated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is unknown. We investigated the association of CCU with overall survival (OS), radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), and time to prostate-specific antigen progression (TTPP) in post-chemotherapy, enzalutamide-treated patients with mCRPC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Post hoc analysis of AFFIRM (NCT00974311) with patients (n = 1,199) randomized 2:1 to enzalutamide 160 mg/day or placebo. Treatment group, CCU, and known prognostic factors were evaluated for impact on OS, rPFS, and TTPP using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. CCU was defined as "baseline" (use started at baseline) or "on-study" (baseline plus use that was started during the trial).

RESULTS

Enzalutamide significantly improved OS, rPFS, and TTPP independent of baseline CCU but was associated with inferior clinical outcomes when compared with no baseline CCU, including a shorter OS [10.8 months vs. not reached (NR); HR for use vs. no use, 2.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.79-2.54], rPFS (5.2 months vs. 8.0 months; HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.29-1.72], and TTPP (4.6 months vs. 5.7 months; HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.25-1.81). These findings held in a multivariate analysis adjusting for baseline prognostic factors wherein baseline CCU was independently associated with decreased OS (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.43-2.04; P < 0.0001) and rPFS (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.11-1.48; P = 0.0007).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mCRPC benefited from enzalutamide treatment independent of CCU, but CCU was associated with worse baseline prognostic factors and outcomes.

JC Polyoma Virus as a Possible Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer Development - Immunofluorescence and Molecular Based Case Control Study

BACKGROUND

In vitro studies have produced conflicting results about the significance of the JC Polyoma Virus (JCV) in the human cancers.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aims to detect the presence of JCV Large T antigen (LTag) together with viral load quantitation in the prostate tumor samples to assess if JCV harbors risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa).

METHOD

This was a case control-based study. A total of 110 patients participated in this study, including 55 patients with PCa and another 55 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as cases and controls, respectively. Tissue, blood and urine samples were collected from each participant. Tissues samples were analyzed for the presence of JCV Ltag using a direct immunofluorescence assay (IF). Only positive IF tested samples were subjected to viral quantitation assay. Data were collected and managed using SPSS version 20.

RESULT

The JCV LTag in the cases group was 23.63% (13/55) which was higher than that of the controls group 5.45% (3/55) with a P. value of .006 and O.R of 5.76. The mean of viral load was significantly higher among cases tissue specimens 20156 ± 5450 copies/ml compared to controls group 6378 ± 2456copies/ml with P-value of .002. The virus was detected in 11/13 (84.6%) urine samples of cases with a mean viral load of 14068 ± 4590 copies/ml compared to 2/3 (66.6%) of controls viral load 2534 ± 1267 copies/ml.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a higher JCV LTag with more viral load were detected in cases group compared to controls. Our findings support a strong relationship between JCV infection and the probability of developing PCa.

Oral administration of prednisone effectively reduces subacute pain after total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Controlling the pain after TKA has always been our research focus. Dexamethasone has a significant effect in controlling acute pain following TKA. We hypothesis oral administration of prednisone could alleviate post-TKA subacute pain.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial dividing patients into prednisone group and control group. Routine analgesic regimens included injection of cocktail mixture intraoperatively, oral celecoxib and tramadol postoperatively. Patients in prednisone group received oral administration of prednisone (10mg, qd, from the first day postoperatively, for 2 weeks). VAS was applied for evaluating pain with ambulation (PWA) and pain at rest (PAR). Follow-up was performed for about three months. The primary end-points were PWA and PAR; secondary end-points were postoperative daily celecoxib use and tramadol use.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients were enrolled in prednisone group and control group, respectively. VAS of PWA was lower in prednisone group on the 7^th, 14^th and 28^th (p=0.05) day after TKA than that in the control group. Meanwhile, VAS of PAR was lower in prednisone group on the postoperative 14^th and 28^th day (p=0.05) than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous oral administration of 10mg prednisone for 14 days after TKA effectively alleviates subacute pain (including PWA and PAR) and reduces postoperative consumption of analgesics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II; low power randomized trial.

Endocrine consequences of treatment with the new androgen receptor axis-targeted agents for advanced prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the commonest non-cutaneous malignancy worldwide and the second cause of cancer death among males in the USA. Approval of the new androgen receptor axis-targeted (ARAT) agents (abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide) has altered the course of advanced PCa. We aimed to assess the endocrine and metabolic adverse events associated with treatment using ARAT compounds.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from database inception to August 2020. We included randomized controlled trials reporting the endocrine and metabolic side effects of ARAT agents compared to each other or to placebo.

RESULTS

Although metastatic PCa remains incurable, ARAT medications combined with androgen deprivation therapy improve overall metastasis-free and progression-free survival in metastatic hormone-sensitive PCa, non-metastatic castration-resistant PCa, and metastatic castration-resistant PCa patients. This benefit comes at the cost of certain endocrine and metabolic consequences. Treatment with abiraterone acetate induces mineralocorticoid excess, hypokalemia, hypertension, elevated liver function tests, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. Enzalutamide may induce or worsen hypertension and increase the risk of falls and fractures in elderly patients, while common endocrine adverse events of apalutamide include hypothyroidism, hypertension, and skin rash. On the other hand, darolutamide seems to have a somewhat safer endocrine and metabolic profile.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of advanced PCa should be personalized, with administration of a combination of androgen deprivation therapy, ARAT agents, and chemotherapy being based on the patient's safety profile and the risk of side effects.

Preserving Well-being in Patients With Advanced and Late Prostate Cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy, alone or in combination with androgen signaling inhibitors, is a treatment option for patients with advanced prostate cancer (PC). When making treatment decisions, health care providers must consider the long-term effects of treatment on the patient's overall health and well-being. Herein, we review the effects of these treatments on the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, cognition, and fall risk, and provide management approaches for each. We also include an algorithm to help health care providers implement best clinical practices and interdisciplinary care for preserving the overall well-being of PC patients.

Abiraterone acetate in combination with prednisone in the treatment of prostate cancer: safety and efficacy

INTRODUCTION

Metastatic prostate cancer is a life-threatening disease and an important public health concern with prevalence rates varying drastically between high- and low-income countries. Androgen-deprivation therapy alone has been the first-line treatment option for decades, temporarily controlling disease until invariable tumor regression. At the castration-resistant stage, metastatic disease becomes lethal. In recent years several new treatments, including second-generation hormone therapies, have proven to be life-prolonging in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and at an earlier hormone-sensitive stage. Abiraterone acetate in combination with prednisone was the first approved hormone therapy demonstrating survival benefit, and represents, to date, an alternative, or a second-line treatment after taxane-based chemotherapy, in addition to androgen-deprivation therapy, in hormone sensitive, and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

AREA COVERED

We performed a literature review of papers from 2012 to 2020 using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase searching for the safety and efficacy of abiraterone acetate in prostate cancer management. Search results were limited to phase III-IV trials and post hoc analysis of Phase III trials evaluated Abiraterone acetate in the English language.

EXPERT OPINION

This literature review confirms the role of abiraterone acetate in the therapeutic landscape with well-proven safety and efficacy, demonstrated in trials and post-approval studies.

Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (LATITUDE): final overall survival analysis of a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

In the interim analyses of the LATITUDE study, the addition of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) led to a significant improvement in overall survival and radiographic progression-free survival compared with placebos plus ADT in men with newly diagnosed high-risk metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). Here, we present long-term survival outcomes and safety of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone and ADT from the final analysis of the LATITUDE study.

METHODS

This is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial done at 235 sites in 34 countries. Eligible patients (men aged ≥18 years) had newly diagnosed, histologically or cytologically confirmed prostate cancer with metastases, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2, and at least two of the three high-risk prognostic factors (Gleason score of ≥8, presence of three or more lesions on bone scan, or presence of measurable visceral metastasis except lymph node metastasis). Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive abiraterone acetate (1000 mg) once daily orally plus prednisone (5 mg) once daily orally and ADT (abiraterone acetate plus prednisone group) or matching placebos plus ADT (placebo group); each treatment cycle was 28 days. Randomisation was done by a centralised interactive web response system in a country-by-country scheme using permuted block randomisation, stratified by presence of visceral disease and ECOG performance status. The coprimary endpoint of overall survival was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01715285 and is complete.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 12, 2013, and Dec 11, 2014, 1209 patients were screened, of whom ten were ineligible because of study site violations. 1199 patients were randomly assigned to either the abiraterone acetate plus prednisone group (n=597) or placebo group (n=602). After the results of the first interim analysis (cutoff date Oct 31, 2016), the study was unmasked to patients and investigators, and patients in the placebo group were allowed to cross over to receive abiraterone acetate and prednisone plus ADT treatment as per a protocol amendment (Feb 15, 2017) in an open-label extension phase of the study (up to 18 months from the protocol amendment). This final analysis (data cutoff Aug 15, 2018) was done after a median follow-up of 51·8 months (IQR 47·2-57·0) and 618 deaths (275 [46%] of 597 in the abiraterone acetate plus prednisone group and 343 [57%] of 602 in the placebo group). Overall survival was significantly longer in the abiraterone acetate plus prednisone group (median 53·3 months [95% CI 48·2-not reached]) than in the placebo group (36·5 months [33·5-40·0]), with a hazard ratio of 0·66 (95% CI 0·56-0·78; p<0·0001). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were hypertension (125 [21%] in the abiraterone acetate plus prednisone group vs 60 [10%] in the placebo group vs three [4%] in the 72 patients who crossed over from placebo to abiraterone acetate plus prednisone) and hypokalaemia (70 [12%] vs ten [2%] vs two [3%]). Serious adverse events of any grade occurred in 192 (32%) of 597 patients in the abiraterone acetate plus prednisone group, 151 (25%) of 602 in the placebo group, and four (6%) of 72 in the crossover group. The most common treatment-related serious adverse event was hypokalaemia (four [1%] patients in the abiraterone acetate plus prednisone group and none in the other groups). Treatment-related deaths occurred in three (<1%) patients each in the abiraterone acetate plus prednisone group (gastric ulcer perforation, sudden death, and cerebrovascular accident) and the placebo group (sudden death, cerebrovascular accident, and pneumonia), with none in the crossover group.

INTERPRETATION

The combination of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone with ADT was associated with significantly longer overall survival than placebos plus ADT in men with newly diagnosed high-risk mCSPC and had a manageable safety profile. These findings support the use of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone as a standard of care in patients with high-risk mCSPC.

FUNDING

Janssen Research & Development.

Current therapeutic options in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The tumors of many patients with prostate cancer eventually become refractory to androgen deprivation therapy with progression to metastatic castration-resistant disease. Significant advances in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have been made in recent years, and new treatment strategies have recently been made available. The aim of this report was to schematically review all the approved pharmacologic treatment options for patients with mCRPC through 2018, analyzing the efficacy and possible side effects of each therapy to assist clinicians in reaching an appropriate treatment decision. New biomarkers potentially of aid in the choice of treatment in this setting are also briefly reviewed.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of clinical trials of new drugs and treatments for patients diagnosed with mCRPC published through 2018.

RESULTS

Two new hormonal drugs, abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide have been approved by FDA in 2011 and 2012, respectively for the treatment of patients with mCRPC and have undergone extensive testing. While these treatments have shown a benefit in progression-free and overall survival, the appropriate sequencing must still be determined so that treatment decisions can be made based on their specific clinical profile. Cabazitaxel has been shown to be an efficient therapeutic option in a postdocetaxel setting, while its role in chemotherapy-naïve patients must still be determined. Sipuleucel-T and radium-223 have been studied in patients without visceral metastases and have achieved overall survival benefits with good safety profiles. The feasibility and efficacy of combinations of new treatments with other known therapies such as chemotherapy are currently under investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug development efforts continue to attempt to prolong survival and improve quality of life in the mCRPC setting, with several therapeutic options available. Ongoing and future trials are needed to further assess the efficacy and safety of these new drugs and their interactions, along with the most appropriate sequencing.

Abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Efficacy and safety in unselected patients

BACKGROUND

Abiraterone acetate (AA), an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor, is now a standard of care for men with metastatic, castration-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Data exploring real-world toxicity and outcomes are scarce.

METHODS

Retrospective study on unselected patients with mCRPC on AA plus steroids.

RESULTS

93 patients were included in the study. Median duration of treatment by AA was 7.5 months (95% CI 5.7-12) among the 58 patients pretreated with chemotherapy, versus 12.7 months ( 95% CI 8.2-35.9) among the 33 chemo-naive patients. Median survivals would reach 13.4 months (95% CI 10.2-19.1) and 36.4 months (95% CI 24.7-41.5) respectively. Rates of hypokalemia, peripheral edema, hypertension, cardiac failure, and overall survival assessments in patients with and without prior chemotherapy were similar to that previously reported in phase 3 randomized trials. The median survival time without adverse event of special interest was 7.5 months for hypokalemia and hypertension, and 5.3 months for liver-function test abnormalities (it was not reached for cardiac disorders).

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide further evidence for the survival benefits of AA with a low frequency of additional adverse events among unselected patients. In patients who have not developed hypokalemia or a transaminase increase within 7.5 and 5.3 months respectively, a lighter systematic monitoring may be considered.

Effect of high-dose dexamethasone on patients without diabetes during elective neurosurgery: a prospective study

Introduction

The peri-operative use of high-dose dexamethasone to reduce cerebral oedema may result in worsening glycaemic control in people with diabetes and glucocorticoid-induced diabetes in susceptible individuals. This study aims to examine the incidence of glucocorticoid-induced diabetes in a cohort of neurosurgical patients receiving high-dose dexamethasone peri-operatively.

Materials and methods

Adult non-diabetic neurosurgical patients receiving high-dose dexamethasone were prospectively studied. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, HbA1c > 6.0%, and use of anti-diabetes therapies. The following data were collected: Family history of diabetes, body mass index, fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and HbA1c (prior to surgery and 6 weeks after last dose of dexamethasone). Homeostatic model assessment values were calculated. Peri-operative glucose readings were recorded and 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests performed at the end of 6 weeks. Paired student t tests and multiple linear regressions were used.

Results

Data from 21 participants (11 women) were available. The mean total dose of dexamethasone was 96 ± 34 mg, and treatment duration was 17 ± 7 days. A total of 105 random blood glucose levels were documented peri-operatively (mean 7.0 ± 1.0 mmol/L). Six weeks following cessation of dexamethasone course, none of the participants developed diabetes, defined either by fasting glucose or by 75 g OGTT. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean HOMA-β from 81.5 to 102.1% (p = 0.01) and a significant decrease in the mean fasting glucose from 5.7 to 4.8 mmol/L (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The use of high-dose dexamethasone in this cohort of neurosurgical patients did not result in glucocorticoid-induced diabetes. Hyperglycaemia was transient and had resolved by 6 weeks.

Population-based Analysis of Treatment Toxicity Among Men With Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer: A Phase IV Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the toxicity and effectiveness of contemporary metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treatments at a population level, among all patients in Ontario particularly treated with newer agents, including abiraterone, enzalutamide, docetaxel, and cabazitaxel.

METHODS

We performed a population-based, retrospective cohort study of 2439 men aged ≥65 years treated for mCRPC with abiraterone, enzalutamide, docetaxel, or cabazitaxel from 2003 to 2015 in Ontario, Canada. Our primary outcome was treatment-related toxicity, defined as hospitalizations and emergency room (ER) visits during mCRPC treatment. Based on toxicity profiles identified during phase III trials, we further identified specific treatment-related toxicity. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying exposures.

RESULTS

Abiraterone and enzalutamide exposure were not associated with any-cause (P = .19 and .52, respectively) or treatment-related (P = .45 and .64, respectively) toxicities. In contrast, docetaxel exposure was associated with an increased risk of any-cause (HR 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.44) and treatment-related (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.33-1.74) toxicities. Cabazitaxel exposure was associated with a significant risk of treatment-related toxicity (HR 5.94, 95% CI 1.87-18.92) but not any-cause toxicity (HR 2.37, 95% CI 0.59-9.63).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with mCRPC, we failed to show any increased risk of hospitalizations and ER visits for treatment-related complications for abiraterone or enzalutamide. In contrast, treatment with intravenous chemotherapeutic agents was associated with an increased risk of hospitalizations and ER visits to manage these complications.

Abiraterone acetate and prednisone in chemotherapy-naïve prostate cancer patients: rationale, evidence and clinical utility

Abiraterone acetate 1000 mg/day, combined with prednisone 5 mg PO twice daily, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Abiraterone acetate is the oral prodrug of abiraterone, a specific CYP17 inhibitor that blocks androgen biosynthesis within the adrenal glands, testes and tumor microenvironment. In a phase III trial of men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC, treatment with oral abiraterone acetate plus prednisone led to a statistically significant improvement in the co-primary endpoints of overall survival and radiographic progression-free survival when compared with placebo plus prednisone. In long-term follow-up of phase III trials, the incidence of corticosteroid-associated adverse events was 25.5% in the abiraterone acetate plus prednisone arm compared with 23.3% in the placebo plus prednisone arm. The need for regular patient monitoring and appropriate management of symptoms during long-term use of prednisone must be placed in context with the improvement in survival seen with abiraterone plus prednisone. Within the multidisciplinary environment that is emerging to meet quality and cost imperatives, abiraterone acetate plus prednisone is suitable for use in the chemotherapy-naïve population with minimal symptoms as well as in patients who have been treated with docetaxel and may have symptomatic disease. Ongoing trials are evaluating the role of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in patients with nonmetastatic CRPC and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, while further trials in the mCRPC setting are evaluating its use in combination regimens.

Targeting the androgenic pathway in elderly patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

The novel hormonal drugs have recently entered in the armamentarium of therapies for treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). First reports are available for their use in elderly men with CRPC.

METHOD

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been performed. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) University Meeting were searched for data on the use of new hormonal treatment in elderly patients with CRPC.

RESULTS

Nine studies for a total of 3512 elderly patients were available for meta-analysis. Six studies reported outcomes of patients aged >75 years old while 2 studies reported on patients aged >70 years old. The pooled analysis of the androgen synthesis inhibitors revealed significantly increased overall survival (OS) due to antiandrogen agents compared with placebo or placebo and prednisone (hazard ratio (HR) for death: HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.67-0.82; P < 0.00001). Moreover, the new antiandrogenic therapy significantly improved the progression-free survival (HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.31-0.65; P < 0.0001). The incidence of any grade ≥3 adverse effect was only moderately higher during with the antiandrogenic therapy as compared to the control arms (response rate = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.88-1.20; P = 0.72).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that agents targeting the androgen axis (i.e., enzalutamide, abiraterone) significantly prolonged OS in elderly men with CRPC.