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Antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome with nilutamide
S D Huan1, R G Gerridzen, J C Yau
1Division of Medical Oncology, Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, Ontario, Canada.
Urology
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Discontinuing antiandrogen therapy in metastatic prostate cancer can lead to significant prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reduction and symptom relief. This withdrawal response, observed in two patients after stopping nilutamide, suggests a potential benefit in managing advanced prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
Background:
- Metastatic prostate cancer management often involves total androgen blockade using antiandrogens and castration.
- Disease progression can occur despite maximal androgen suppression.
Observation:
- Two cases of metastatic prostate cancer patients experienced a decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after discontinuing nilutamide.
- Observed PSA reductions were 92% and 56%.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of nilutamide therapy resulted in significant PSA decrease.
- Patients reported improvement in urinary symptoms and bone pain.
- One patient showed disappearance of para-aortic lymphadenopathy.
- The observed withdrawal response lasted for 6 months, comparable to flutamide discontinuation.
Implications:
- Discontinuing antiandrogens like nilutamide may be a viable strategy for managing metastatic prostate cancer progression.
- This approach can lead to clinical benefits, including PSA decline and symptom amelioration.
- Further investigation into antiandrogen withdrawal as a therapeutic option is warranted.