Abiraterone Acetate, ABIRATERONE ACETATE

What is this medication?

Abiraterone acetate is a prescription medication primarily used to treat certain types of prostate cancer that have spread to other parts of the body. It is often prescribed for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, meaning the cancer has progressed despite treatments designed to lower testosterone levels. Additionally, it is used for patients with high-risk metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. By targeting the disease at these advanced stages, the medication aims to slow down the growth and spread of cancerous cells.

The medication functions as a CYP17 inhibitor, which works by blocking the production of androgens in the testes, adrenal glands, and the tumor tissue itself. Because prostate cancer cells generally depend on androgens like testosterone to grow, reducing these hormone levels can help manage the condition. Abiraterone acetate is almost always administered in combination with a corticosteroid, such as prednisone or prednisolone. This combination is necessary to help prevent potential side effects related to changes in hormone levels and to maintain a proper balance in the body during treatment.