A recent announcement about the once daily oral drug abiraterone acetate (CB7630) indicated that some of the current trial results demonstrate some efficacy in men with hormone refractory prostate cancer. The positive results appeared at two different stages of the standard treatment process. Positive results were demonstrated both before and after the administration of chemotherapy.

In the UK, a Phase I/II trial of CB7630 demonstrated that a small number of patients enrolled experienced a positive outcome. These men were AIPC and never had chemotherapy. They all did have a regime of LHRH analogues as well as other hormonal therapies.

There is also an on going Phase II trial in the US and UK. Early indications are that CB7630 seems to provide some benefit for men who have already had Taxotere chemotherapy.

Levels of toxicity of CB7630 are reported to be minimal, and there has not yet established a maximum tolerated dosage.

Since the trials are still in phase I/II there has been a very limited number of participants. However, demonstrated benefits include lowering of PSA, some tumor shrinkage, and some pain reduction.

For the UK and US trials that are ongoing see:
clinicaltrials.gov/ct/search?term=CB7630&submit=Search

CB7630 is a potential treatment that merits monitoring over time.

Joel T Nowak MA, MSW