Apalutamide in addition to androgen deprivation therapy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

Apalutamide in addition to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is in clinical development for the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer as first or second-line therapy before or after chemotherapy. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK and is classified into localised (confined to the prostate gland), locally‐advanced (spread outside the capsule of the prostate gland) and advanced (spread to other parts of the body). Advanced prostate cancer that still responds to ADT is identified as metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Current treatment options at this stage often involves either ADT alone (surgery and hormone therapy) or ADT in combination with chemotherapy.
Apalutamide is an oral tablet that works by blocking the androgen receptor to prevent the effects of the hormone testosterone in the prostate and, thereby, reducing the growth of the cancer cells. If licensed, apalutamide in addition to ADT will increase the treatment options available for patients with metastatic. Apalutamide is also currently being considered for use in hormone-resistant prostate cancer which has not yet spread.