Casodex: a pure non-steroidal anti-androgen used as monotherapy in advanced prostate cancer

Casodex, a pure potent non-steroidal anti-androgen, has been shown in a phase II clinical trial program to be very well tolerated and to have fewer side-effects compared with other anti-androgens. The most commonly reported side-effects (prompted by direct questioning) were breast tenderness (63.4%), breast swelling (52.5%), and hot flashes (23.6%). Gastrointestinal disturbances, hepatic impairment, alcohol intolerance, and problems with light adaptation are not associated with Casodex treatment. In this study, Casodex (50 mg once daily) was evaluated in 267 patients, 130 of whom have received it for more than 1 year. On assessment of best objective response, 55.5% of patients showed partial regression, 15.6% stable disease, 17.1% progression, and 11.8% were not assessable. These results are comparable with other standard hormonal therapies for advanced prostate cancer.