Multiple news sources reported a small phase 1 trial involving 21 men with aggressive and incurable form of prostate cancer. The participants were given daily dose of a new drug, abiraterone, in 28-day cycles. Researchers found that 12 of the 21 patients had a 50% decline in PSA ( prostate specific antigen) after one month and 6 had a 90% decline. They also found in some patients, tumor shrank, regression of some of the cancers and reduction of the dose of analgaesics required to ease the pain. Researchers said the results indicated the evidence of the safety of abiraterone.
Critics say the results are preliminary and no survival advantage has been proved in this very small trial. A 2nd larger study is already underway and will provide more information about the effectiveness of the drug in treating the disease to a wider group of people.
Source : "Phase I Clinical Trial of a Selective Inhibitor of CYP17, Abiraterone Acetate, Confirms That Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Commonly Remains Hormone Driven." Journal of Clinical Oncology 2008; Jul 21 [Epub ahead of print]
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