[Abiraterone acetate(ZYTIGA®)-development and literature review]

Abiraterone acetate(AA)has been approved in more than 80 countries for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer(mCRPC). In July 2013, a marketing approval application for AA was submitted to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. AA is a selective inhibitor of CYP17A1, a crucial enzyme for androgen biosynthesis. AA exerts its anti-tumor activity by directly inhibiting androgen production at all three sources, i. e., the testes, adrenal glands, and tumor itself. Data from international phase III studies and phase I and II studies in Japan have indicated that AA improves the overall survival and quality of life(QoL)of patients with mCRPC. Herein, we have summarized the development of AA and the results of important international and local clinical trials in Japan. In addition, the effect of food on AA bioavailability, concomitant steroid use, and liver function test abnormalities have been discussed regarding the appropriate use of AA.