Eulexin (flutamide)
The following drug information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
General Information
Eulexin capsules have been approved for the treatment of locally
confined Stage B2-C carcinoma of the prostate in combination with
LHRH agonists and radiation therapy. Eulexin is currently marketed
in the United States for the treatment of advanced (Stage D2)
prostate cancer in combination with LHRH agonists.
Recommended dosage is two Eulexin capsules three times a
day.
Clinical Results
The application was based on a study conducted by the Radiation
Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). In the multicenter controlled
clinical trial; Eulexin in combination with an LHRH agonist, was
administered prior to and during radiation therapy to subjects with
prostate cancer at Stage B2 (with ulky primary tumors confined to
prostate) and at Stage C (extending beyond the prostate capsule),
with or without pelvic noderostate cancer the opportunity to delay
the onset of disease recurrence beyond that shown for radiation
alone. The RTOG study also showed a statistical trend toward a
reduction in the incidence of distant metastases for subjects in
the Eulexin plus LHRH agonist arm.
Side Effects
In the RTOG study, treatment with Eulexin and the LHRH agonist
did not add substantially to the side effects reported for
radiation treatment alone.
Mechanism of Action
Eulexin is one of a class of drugs known as anti-androgens,
which act by directly blocking the cancer-promoting activities of
androgens, or male sex hormones, of which the principal one is
testosterone. Control of metastatic prostate cancer is based on
androgen deprivation. Combining Eulexin with an LHRH agonist is
intended to achieve maximum androgen blockade, thereby inhibiting
cancer growth.