Charles Ryan, MD, moderator of the press conference at the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium where the PREVAIL trial data were discussed, emphasized that this study breaks new ground for enzalutamide (Xtandi) in chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. “The interim analysis showed benefit in this patient group, and this is an important study in our field to be sure,” noted Dr. Ryan, who is Professor of Clinical Medicine and Urology, and Program Leader, Genitourinary Medical Oncology at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco.

Dr. Ryan said that about 50,000 men in the United States each year would fall into the category of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. “Most patients with advanced disease will encounter resistant disease in their lifetime,” he continued. “The average survival for these men is less than 3 years. This study is important from the perspective of patients not yet treated with chemotherapy. It may expand the regulatory approval of enzalutamide.”

Dr. Ryan noted that less than 50% of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer actually receive chemotherapy. “Approval [for predocetaxel treatment] would open up treatment options for men who previously had fewer options,” he stated. ■

Disclosure: Dr. Ryan reported no potential conflicts of interest.