Evaluation of maintenance of the common androgen deprivation therapy with the new antiandrogen therapy in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer: a systematic review

Purpose Advanced prostate cancer does not respond to traditional androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) at some point in the treatment. The development of new hormonal agents demonstrated clear efficacy and changed the treatment scenario. Objectives To evaluate the use of new antiandrogens alone versus their use in combination with maintenance ADT in patients with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer. Methods A literature systematic review of randomized clinical trials, cohorts, and real-life studies including patients who received the new antiandrogens with or without ADT due to histologic confirmed advanced castration-resistant prostate adenocarcinoma was carried out. Results 2181 articles were identified and three studies were included with a total of 246 patients. Two studies were randomized clinical trials, and the third was a retrospective study, which showed similar results for both arms, in relation to PSA response, radiological progression-free survival, and testosterone levels, in addition to cost analysis with savings avoided in the ADT maintenance-free arm. Despite the positive data, it is still not possible to categorically state whether there is a statistical benefit in suspending the ADT during the use of new antiandrogens, due to the heterogeneity of the studies. Conclusion The literature is limited on the issue. Available data are still immature with no clear benefit of the use of newer antiandrogens alone in the setting of advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of new antiandrogens alone or in combination with ADT in advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. A systematic review of literature identified three studies with similar results in terms of PSA response, radiological progression-free survival, and testosterone levels. However, due to the heterogeneity of the studies, it is still unclear whether suspending ADT during the use of new antiandrogens has a statistical benefit.