A Practical Guide to Relugolix: Early Experience With Oral Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Relugolix is a novel oral androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer.
• Real-world concerns include medication compliance, safety with other agents, and cost.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of relugolix in prostate cancer patients.
• To assess medication compliance, adverse events, and reasons for discontinuation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 101 prostate cancer patients prescribed relugolix.
• Data collected included demographics, concomitant therapies, PSA/testosterone levels, and adverse events.
• Compliance assessed via pharmacy records and clinical notes.

Main Results:

• 78% of patients filled prescriptions, with 94% of days covered.
• 93% reported no missed doses; 50% cited cost as a reason for not filling.
• No new major safety signals observed, even in combination therapy.

Conclusions:

• Relugolix demonstrates acceptable compliance and safety in real-world prostate cancer treatment.
• Cost is a primary barrier to initiating and continuing relugolix therapy.
• Most patients switching to relugolix tolerated it well compared to prior ADT.