An update on bicalutamide in the treatment of prostate cancer

In this update, bicalutamide (Casodex, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals) has been confirmed as an effective, well-tolerated and convenient non-steroidal anti-androgen for advanced prostate cancer. Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated its potential as monotherapy, with quality of life advantages compared with castration. A head-to-head comparison with flutamide, where both anti-androgens were used as part of combined androgen blockade, has suggested that the choice of components in this regimen can influence outcome, and has demonstrated that bicalutamide is better tolerated than flutamide. There is also preliminary evidence to support the potential use of bicalutamide in treatment of early-stage disease and tumours that are refractory to other non-steroidal anti-androgens.