Innovative Oral Therapy Approved for Over 40,000 Patients
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK has recommended the use of Relugolix, a new oral medication for treating advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, in its final draft guidance. This approval marks a significant milestone as Relugolix, marketed as Orgovyx by Accord, is the first oral androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) approved by NICE.
Relugolix offers a convenient alternative to traditional hormone treatments, which are typically administered via injection. By allowing patients to take the medication at home in pill form, it provides a more accessible option for those undergoing treatment.
Prostate cancer cells generally depend on androgen hormones, such as testosterone, to grow. ADT works by reducing these hormone levels through medication or surgery, thereby inhibiting cancer cell growth. Relugolix operates by blocking the production of testosterone in the testes, effectively lowering hormone levels.
ADT treatments are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and heart failure. However, clinical trial data indicates that Relugolix is more effective than leuprolide in maintaining reduced testosterone levels over the long term and in decreasing the likelihood of serious cardiovascular events. Comparisons with other ADT treatments suggest that Relugolix performs equally well.
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 51,000 new cases diagnosed in England in 2022. For those with high-risk localized or locally advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, treatment options typically include ADT, surgery, or radiotherapy.
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