Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

FDA approved Abiraterone Acetate (Yonsa) for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate CancerFDA approved new prostate cancer drug Yonsa to slow tumor growth.

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Consider abiraterone acetate with methylprednisolone for metastatic CRPC, noting different dosing and food effects from other abiraterone products.

The FDA has approved abiraterone acetate (Yonsa) for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in combination with methylprednisolone. The approval is based on two randomized, placebo-controlled trials that demonstrated improved overall survival in patients with CRPC who had progressed on androgen deprivation therapy. Abiraterone acetate is a CYP17 inhibitor that suppresses androgen production. The recommended dose is 500 mg (four 125 mg tablets) taken once daily with or without food, along with methylprednisolone 4 mg twice daily. Clinicians should note that this product has different dosing and food effects compared to other abiraterone acetate formulations. Patients should also receive a GnRH analog or have had bilateral orchiectomy.

Clinical Details (Mechanism · Dosing · Trial Data · Warnings)
Mechanism of Action

Abiraterone acetate is a CYP17 inhibitor. It inhibits androgen biosynthesis.

Indication & Patient Population

Abiraterone acetate is indicated in combination with methylprednisolone for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Dosing & Administration

The recommended dose is 500 mg (four 125 mg tablets) orally once daily in combination with methylprednisolone 4 mg orally twice daily. Tablets must be taken as a single dose once daily with or without food, swallowed whole with water. Do not crush or chew. Patients should also receive a GnRH analog or have had bilateral orchiectomy. For patients with baseline moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B), reduce starting dose to 125 mg once daily. For hepatotoxicity, hold treatment and may restart at reduced doses (375 mg or 250 mg once daily) after recovery. Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers; if co-administration is necessary, increase abiraterone acetate dosing frequency to twice daily during co-administration.

Key Clinical Trial Data

The efficacy and safety of abiraterone acetate with prednisone in patients with metastatic CRPC that progressed on androgen deprivation therapy were demonstrated in two randomized, placebo-controlled international studies. Patients with prior ketoconazole treatment or adrenal/pituitary disorders were excluded. Concurrent spironolactone was not allowed. Study 1 included patients with prior docetaxel chemotherapy. Specific efficacy results are not reported in the label.

Warnings & Contraindications

Do not use in patients with baseline severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Monitor liver function tests. Discontinue if severe hepatotoxicity occurs. Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers unless necessary.

Place in Therapy

Abiraterone acetate is indicated for metastatic CRPC in combination with methylprednisolone. It is a treatment option for patients who have progressed on androgen deprivation therapy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug called Yonsa (abiraterone acetate) for men with a certain type of advanced prostate cancer. This cancer is called metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, or CRPC. It means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and is no longer controlled by standard hormone therapy. Yonsa works by blocking a key enzyme that helps the body make androgens, which are male hormones that can fuel prostate cancer growth. It is taken as four 125 mg tablets once a day, along with a steroid called methylprednisolone. This combination helps the drug work better and reduces side effects. The approval was based on two large studies that showed men taking Yonsa lived longer than those taking a placebo. However, this drug is not a cure. It is important for patients to talk to their doctor about whether Yonsa is right for them. Patients should also continue their regular cancer care and discuss any side effects with their healthcare team.

What this means for you:
Yonsa is a new pill for advanced prostate cancer that can help men live longer, but it is not a cure.

Study Details

Study typeFda approval
PublishedMay 2018
View Original Abstract ↓
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Abiraterone Acetate is indicated in combination with methylprednisolone for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Abiraterone Acetate is a CYP17 inhibitor indicated in combination with methylprednisolone for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). ( 1 )
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.