Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland (a small organ in a man’s pelvis) and is the second most common cancer in the UK. There are three stages: localised, locally‐advanced and advanced (or metastatic) prostate cancer. The symptoms may vary depending on the stage of cancer but can include pain, tiredness, and problems emptying the bladder and the bowels. About half of men diagnosed with locally‐advanced prostate cancer will see their cancer spread to other body organs (i.e. become metastatic). Prostate cancer growth and spread depends on the hormone, testosterone. Cancer that does not respond to hormonal treatments to reduce the level of testosterone is known as castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Apalutamide is an oral tablet in development for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, when used in addition to abiraterone acetate and prednisone/prednisolone.
Apalutamide acts by blocking the androgen receptor (target binding site of various steroid hormones including testosterone) to prevent the effects of testosterone in the prostate and the body. If licensed, apalutamide in addition to abiraterone and prednisone/prednisolone will offer an additional treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in those who are not yet recommended to receive chemotherapy.