Trelstar Depot (triptorelin pamoate)
The following drug information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
For the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer
General Information
Trelstar Depot is indicated in the palliative treatment of
advanced prostate cancer. It offers an alternative treatment for
prostate cancer when orchiectomy or estrogen administration are
either not indicated, or unacceptable to the patient.
Clinical Results
Following a single intramuscular (IM) injection of Trelstar
Depot to healthy male volunteers, serum testosterone levels first
increased, peaking on day 4, and declined thereafter to low levels
by week 4. Similar testosterone profiles were observed in patients
with advanced prostate cancer, when injected with Trelstar Depot.
In healthy volunteers, testosterone serum levels returned to near
baseline by week 8.
Trelstar Depot was studied in a randomized, active control trial
of 277 men, ages 47 to 89, with advanced prostate cancer. The
population consisted of 59.9% Caucasian, 39.3% Black, and 0.8%
Other. There was no difference noted in relation to patient
ethnicity. Patients were given either Trelstar Depot or an approved
GnRH agonist monthly for 9 months. The primary efficacy results
were both achievement of castration by Day 29 and maintenance of
castration from Day 57 through Day 253.
Castration levels of serum testosterone were achieved in 91.2%
of Trelstar Depot patients at Day 29 and 97.7% of patients at Day
57.
Side Effects
Trelstar Depot may cause the following side effects:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased blood cell counts
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Hot flushes
- Loss of sexual drive
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Mechanism of Action
Triptorelin is a potent repressor of gonadotropin secretion when
given continuously and in therapeutic doses. Following the first
administration, there is a transient surge in circulating levels of
luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH),
testosterone, and estradiol. After chronic and continuous
administration, usually 2 to 4 weeks after initiation of therapy, a
sustained decrease in LH and FSH secretion and marked reduction of
testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis is observed. In men, a
reduction of serum testosterone concentration to a level typically
seen in surgically castrated men is obtained. Consequently, the
result is that tissues and function that depend on these hormones
for maintenance become quiescent. These effects are usually
reversible after cessation of therapy.
Additional Information
Trelstar Depot may cause fetal harm if given to pregnant
women.
For more information on Prostate Cancer, visit the
American Cancer Society
