Enzalutamide: a new prostate cancer targeted therapy against the androgen receptor

Enzalutamide (MDV3100), an androgen receptor-signalling inhibitor, represents the most recent compound added to the therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who progressed to docetaxel. The anti-tumour activity and safety of enzalutamide has been demonstrated in a phase III clinical trial, showing a benefit in overall survival, which was the primary endpoint. There are no head-to-head studies comparing the different treatment options in this subset of patients. In this article, most relevant data published in the literature have been reviewed, with special attention to the therapeutic alternatives currently available for postdocexatel mCRPC patients, emphasising the mechanisms of action of the different drugs, efficacy and quality of life-related aspects.