Casodex and Zolvadex improve advanced prostate cancer
Casodex (bicalutamide / Zeneca) is a safe and effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer when used in combination with LHRH-A therapy (medical castration), a regimen known as CAB. Now two studies show that Casodex is effective when used as monotherapy. In one study, 288 patients with metastatic disease were randomized to treatment with Casodex alone or the CAB regimen. Of those treated only with Casodex, 70% had a favorable subjective response compared to 58% of patients on the CAB regimen. In the second study, treatment with Casodex led to a better quality of life.
A report on the use of Zolvadex (goserelin acetate implant / Zeneca) demonstrated that the drug improved five-year overall survival in those patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. The drug was given as adjuvant therapy, initiated simultaneously with radiotherapy and continued every four weeks for three years.