The Impact of Early Modification of Upfront Androgen Receptor Signaling Inhibitors on Survival Outcomes in Metastatic

Shintaro Narita1, Takafumi Yanagisawa2, Shingo Hatakeyama3

  • 1Department of Urology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan.

The Prostate
|November 6, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Early withdrawal of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) patients is linked to worse progression-free survival. Optimal management of ARSI therapy is crucial for maximizing treatment effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) management involves androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI).
  • Early modification or withdrawal of upfront ARSI may impact patient outcomes.
  • Understanding these impacts is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of early ARSI modification on survival outcomes in mHSPC patients.
  • To identify risk factors associated with early ARSI withdrawal.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding ARSI management in mHSPC.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, multicenter cohort study of 590 mHSPC patients.
  • Analysis of early ARSI modification (withdrawal or dose reduction) without progression.
  • Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) used to adjust for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Early ARSI withdrawal (within 6 months) was associated with significantly poorer castration-resistant prostate cancer-free survival (CRPC-FS) and second progression-free survival (PFS2).
  • Apalutamide use and low-risk CHAARTED status were independent risk factors for early ARSI withdrawal.
  • No significant association was found between early ARSI withdrawal and overall survival.

Conclusions:

  • Early withdrawal of upfront ARSI in mHSPC patients correlates with inferior CRPC-FS and PFS2.
  • Effective first-line treatment necessitates optimal management and adherence to ARSI therapy.
  • Further research may explore strategies to mitigate early ARSI discontinuation.