Even with very little production of testosterone in the body, there is a possibility that prostate cancer continues to grow. Prostate cancer can metastasize beyond the prostate and affect other parts of the body in certain men. Abiraterone Acetate is useful in the treatment of some cases of advanced prostate cancer by limiting the production of male hormones that support the growth of cancerous cells.

What Types of Prostate Cancer Can Abiraterone Acetate Treat?  

Use of the tablet is recommended for some particular cases of advanced prostate cancer. Treatment choice will depend on the stage of cancer and sensitivity to hormone-depleting therapies.

1. Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)

The term refers to the condition where prostate cancer metastasizes, and does not stop growing even when treated with medications depleting testosterone in the body. Cancer cells keep receiving stimulation from residual levels of androgens secreted from other parts of the body despite depletion of testosterone. The medicine can assist in overcoming this issue by decreasing production of androgens. This hormonal therapy might be prescribed together with prednisone or prednisolone and ongoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

2. Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC)

In this case, prostate cancer is metastatic but sensitive to reduction of androgen through medication. Prostate cancer may extend into nearby tissue, lymph nodes, bone or any distant organs. However, combination of Abiraterone Acetate 250mg with prednisone or prednisolone and ADT will further lower the levels of androgens in order to manage the disease.

How The Medicine Is Effective in Prostate Cancer?

Androgens especially testosterone can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. While testosterone is primarily made in the testicles, other body parts like adrenal glands and tumour itself can synthesize androgens. The tablet inhibits the enzyme known as CYP17 that is essential for the production of androgens. Through inhibition of the enzyme, androgen levels are lowered thus reducing their supply to prostate cancer cells.

Why Is Prednisone or Prednisolone Given Alongside This Medicine?

The abiraterone acetate tablets 250 mg in prostate cancer may lead to increased production of certain hormones leading to fluid buildup, high blood pressure, and low levels of potassium. Prednisone or prednisolone helps manage these side effects through the control of hormonal response in the body. The combination should be taken as instructed and patients should not discontinue use of corticosteroids abruptly.

What Should Patients Observe During The Treatment?

Medical monitoring allows health care providers to monitor treatment-induced changes and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. The following should be done by the patient:

• Blood pressure measurement: This helps to determine the occurrence of high blood pressure.

• Liver function tests: The test helps to monitor any liver problems.

• Potassium level monitoring: Helps to measure low levels of potassium.

• PSA test: It helps to monitor the activity of prostate cancer.  

Conclusion

The tablet work to decrease the amount of androgens (a form of male sex hormones) in the body, which can cause some types of prostate cancer to grow. It may be used in hormone-sensitive or hormone- resistant cancers. Because a combination treatment is given with Abiraterone Acetate and checkups at the doctor are needed, it is crucial to follow the recommended combination therapy and undergo routine medical examinations to detect any abnormalities on time.

FAQs

1. Does the tablet need regular liver function tests?

Yes. Liver function should be assessed before treatment and then on a regular basis during therapy as the drug can lead to elevations in liver enzymes and in rare instances to serious liver disease.

2. Can medicine affect blood pressure?

Yes it can raise blood pressure and lead to fluid retention and/or low potassium. It's important to monitor it, especially in the context of existing cardiac disease.