We know that Abiraterone (Zytiga) extends life, but we also know that its side effects can be harsh, especially in elderly men (men over 75 years). We also know that men with metastatic, castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have a limited potential life expectancy. Given these facts, it is important to know if, despite being an elderly man, you can still receive a life extending benefit from taking Abiraterone.

In a post hoc analysis of the important COU-AA-302 trial researchers investigated the safety and efficacy of abiraterone in both elderly 75 years old or more ) and younger (less than 75 years old) men subgroups

The men were stratified and randomized 1:1 to abiraterone acetate plus prednisone vs placebo plus prednisone alone. The co-primary end
points were radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS).

The researchers found that both sub-groups (elderly and younger) who were treated with abiraterone and prednisone had significant improvements in OS and rPFS vs the prednisone subgroup

Additionally, adverse were similar between both subgroups. However, the elderly subgroup in both arms did experience higher rates of fluid retention and cardiac disorders than the younger men.

These findings show that abiraterone acetate (Zytiga) demonstrated clinical benefit and was well tolerated
in both elderly and younger men with chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC.

Abiraterone is a drug that you should consider prior to chemotherapy despite your age.

Efficacy and Safety of Abiraterone Acetate in Elderly (75 Years or Older) Chemotherapy Naïve Patients with Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer; Smith MR, Rathkopf DE, Mulders PF, Carles J, Van Poppel H, Li J, Kheoh T, Griffin TW, Molina A, Ryan CJ.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26151676