Abstract illustration of prostate cancer treatment advancements.

Abiraterone and Prostate Cancer: What You Need to Know About This Treatment Combination

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover how combining abiraterone with prednisolone is changing the landscape for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer, offering new hope and improved outcomes."

Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for men worldwide. As research continues to evolve, new treatment strategies emerge, offering improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life. One such advancement involves the use of abiraterone in combination with prednisolone for treating metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC).

Two pivotal phase 3 trials have highlighted the benefits of this combination: the LATITUDE trial and the STAMPEDE trial. These studies have demonstrated that adding abiraterone to conventional androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can significantly improve overall survival and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) in patients with mCSPC.

This article delves into the details of these trials, explaining how abiraterone works, what the studies revealed, and what this means for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. By understanding the latest research, patients and their families can make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Understanding Abiraterone and Its Role in Prostate Cancer Treatment

Abstract illustration of prostate cancer treatment advancements.

Abiraterone is an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor, meaning it reduces the production of androgens (male hormones) in the body. Prostate cancer cells rely on androgens to grow and spread, so by lowering androgen levels, abiraterone can slow down or stop the progression of the disease. It is typically prescribed with a low dose of prednisolone (a steroid) to counteract potential side effects.

The LATITUDE and STAMPEDE trials have provided compelling evidence of the effectiveness of abiraterone in treating mCSPC. Let's take a closer look at each study:

LATITUDE Trial: This double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involved 1199 patients with newly diagnosed mCSPC. Patients were randomized to receive either abiraterone plus prednisolone or a placebo, in addition to ADT. The results showed a significant improvement in overall survival and rPFS for those in the abiraterone group. Specifically, the risk of death was reduced by 38%, and the median rPFS was 33 months in the abiraterone arm compared to 14.8 months in the placebo arm.
STAMPEDE Trial: This multiarm, multistage trial randomized 1917 patients with metastatic, node-positive, or high-risk locally advanced prostate cancer. Unlike LATITUDE, STAMPEDE did not have a placebo control. The study compared ADT alone to ADT plus abiraterone. The results indicated that adding abiraterone significantly improved overall survival and failure-free survival (FFS). The 3-year overall survival rate was 83% in the abiraterone arm and 76% in the control arm, representing a 37% reduction in the relative risk of death.

Both trials demonstrated that abiraterone, when combined with prednisolone, offers substantial benefits for patients with mCSPC. The consistency of these findings has led to this combination becoming a standard of care for this patient population.

The Future of Abiraterone in Prostate Cancer Treatment

The success of abiraterone in treating mCSPC has opened new avenues for research and treatment strategies. As ongoing trials like PEACE1 continue to explore the benefits of combining abiraterone with other therapies, the future looks promising for men facing this diagnosis. With a focus on improving patient outcomes and quality of life, the integration of abiraterone into standard treatment protocols marks a significant step forward in the fight against prostate cancer.

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Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Abiraterone and how does it work in treating prostate cancer?

Abiraterone is a medication classified as an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor. This means it functions by reducing the production of androgens, which are male hormones, within the body. Prostate cancer cells depend on these androgens to facilitate their growth and spread. By lowering androgen levels, Abiraterone can effectively slow down or halt the progression of prostate cancer. It is typically prescribed alongside a low dose of prednisolone, a steroid, to help manage and counteract potential side effects associated with Abiraterone treatment. This combination aims to maximize the therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects.

Can you explain the LATITUDE trial and its findings regarding Abiraterone?

The LATITUDE trial was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study involving 1199 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Abiraterone plus Prednisolone or a placebo, in addition to Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). The trial demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) for those in the Abiraterone group. Specifically, the risk of death was reduced by 38%, and the median rPFS was 33 months in the Abiraterone arm compared to 14.8 months in the placebo arm, highlighting the substantial benefits of Abiraterone in treating mCSPC.

What were the key details and results of the STAMPEDE trial concerning Abiraterone?

The STAMPEDE trial was a multiarm, multistage study that randomized 1917 patients with metastatic, node-positive, or high-risk locally advanced prostate cancer. Unlike the LATITUDE trial, STAMPEDE did not include a placebo control group. Instead, it compared ADT alone to ADT plus Abiraterone. The results indicated that adding Abiraterone significantly improved overall survival and failure-free survival (FFS). The 3-year overall survival rate was 83% in the Abiraterone arm and 76% in the control arm, representing a 37% reduction in the relative risk of death. These findings further support the effectiveness of Abiraterone in improving outcomes for patients with prostate cancer.

What does metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) mean, and why is Abiraterone used in its treatment?

Metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) refers to prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and still responds to hormone therapy, specifically androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). In this state, the cancer cells are still sensitive to the effects of lowering androgen levels. Abiraterone is particularly effective in treating mCSPC because it further reduces androgen production, even when the cancer is still sensitive to initial hormone treatments. This combination approach can significantly improve survival rates and delay disease progression.

What is Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), and how does it relate to Abiraterone in treating prostate cancer?

Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a hormone therapy used to lower the levels of androgens, such as testosterone, in the body. Since prostate cancer cells rely on androgens to grow, ADT is a primary treatment for slowing down or stopping the progression of the disease. While ADT can be effective, prostate cancer cells can eventually become resistant to this therapy, leading to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Combining ADT with Abiraterone has been shown to improve outcomes in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), as demonstrated in the LATITUDE and STAMPEDE trials.