4156. Prostate cancer. Darolutamide and proteins like AR-V7

 

Darolutamide, marketed as Nubeqa, is a medication used to treat prostate cancer. It's an androgen receptor inhibitor, meaning it blocks the effects of testosterone and other androgens that can fuel cancer growth. It's often used in combination with other treatments like androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and docetaxel, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

What it is: Darolutamide is an oral medication that specifically targets androgen receptors, preventing them from receiving signals that promote prostate cancer cell growth. 

How it's used:

• Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC): Darolutamide is used in combination with ADT and docetaxel. A recent FDA approval allows its use in this setting. 
• Non-metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (nmCRPC): Darolutamide is used with ADT. 
• Advanced Prostate Cancer: It may be used with other hormone therapies if other treatments have stopped working. 

Why it's used:

• Extends survival:

  Clinical trials have shown that darolutamide, when combined with other therapies, can significantly increase overall survival in men with mHSPC. 
• Delays cancer progression:

  It can also delay the progression of prostate cancer, including time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression, in men with nmCRPC. 
• Improves PSA response:

  Darolutamide can lead to a higher proportion of men achieving undetectable PSA levels. 
• Good safety profile:

  Darolutamide has been shown to have a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with side effects comparable to placebo in some studies. 

Important Considerations:

• Consult with a doctor:

  It's crucial to discuss with a healthcare professional to determine if darolutamide is the right treatment option based on individual circumstances. 
• Combination therapy:

  Darolutamide is often used in combination with other treatments, and the specific combination will depend on the patient's situation. 
• Potential side effects:

  While darolutamide is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects can include fatigue, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain. 
• Cost and access:

  Darolutamide and other similar drugs can be expensive, and access may be a barrier for some patients. 

   

  -------------------

   

  TIMES ENTERTAINMENT

  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/proteins-

  that-block-prostate-cancer..........

   

   

    

  Standard treatments sometime fail because certain proteins like AR-V7 

  allow cancer cells to survive and grow even when hormone-blocking drugs

  are used, reducing the treatment's effectiveness.
  
   Doctors can test for protein activity before beginning hormone therapy. If high levels

  of these proteins are detected, choose alternative treatments or

  advanced therapies rather than standard 

  that may be ineffective.

   

  Scientists are now developing targeted drugs that can block AR-VR and other

  proteins that interfere with treatment, increasing the chance of long-lasting

  treatment success.

   

  By identifying protein activity in advance, doctors can create customised treatment 

  plan for each patient. New targeted drugs offer hope for men living with

  prostate cancer.