Logothetis, C.J., Basch, E., Molina, A., Fizazi, K., North, S.A., Chi, K.N., . . . de Bono, J.S. (2012). Effect of abiraterone acetate and prednisone compared with placebo and prednisone on pain control and skeletal-related events in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Exploratory analysis of data from the COU-AA-301 randomised trial. The Lancet Oncology, 13, 1210–1217.
To assess data to determine the effect of abiraterone acetate on pain and skeletal events in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer
Patients were randomized to receive either 1 g abiraterone acetate or placebo orally once a day, along with 5 mg prednisone twice daily for 28-day cycles. Concomitant bisphosphonates were allowed during the study, if patients were already taking them or if a skeletal event indicated their use. Assessments occurred at baseline, on day 15, and on day 1 of the first 28-day cycle and during each subsequent 28-day cycle until the end of the study or treatment discontinuation.
Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Brief Pain Inventory
Compared to placebo, abiraterone acetate and prednisone were associated with favorable effects on pain and a longer time to skeletal events in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Findings show that prednisone and abiraterone acetate appeared to improve pain control in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Chronic bone-related pain can be a severe problem for late-stage patients with prostate cancer. For these patients, abiraterone acetate and prednisone can be helpful in reducing pain and delaying skeletal events.