How do Provenge or Xofigo Prolong Life When They Don’t Drop PSA?

PCRI’s Executive Director, Mark Scholz, MD, explains why Provenge and Xofigo are considered effective treatments for prostate cancer regardless of whether they cause a PSA drop—contrary to most other prostate cancer treatments in which PSA drop indicates efficacy.

0:18 Provenge is an FDA approved immune therapy, and Xofigo is a targeted form of injectable radiation that targets bone metastases. Both agents are capable of causing a PSA decline and extending life; however, unlike all other prostate cancer treatments,​ they can also extend life without causing a concurrent PSA drop. This has caused some to doubt their efficacy.

1:02 Rigorous studies have confirmed that Provenge and Xofigo are efficacious, so there should be no doubts in that regard. Traditional treatments like Chemotherapy and hormone therapy work by killing cancer cells for as long as they are being administered and then stop working when the treatment has ceased. Provenge and Xofigo, on the other hand, have long term anti-cancer effects. Provenge, for example, permanently alters the immune system to be more adept at fighting prostate cancer. It will not kill large portions of the disease like chemotherapy, but it will train the immune system to slow the progression of the disease. Even if there is not a PSA drop after Provenge or Xofigo, there may be a decline in its rate of increase.

2:19 These new technologies and treatments are effective despite their lack of performance on traditional metrics. Rigorous studies have confirmed that they increase longevity, and the lack of a PSA drop should not be taken as an indication that the agents are not working.

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Видео How do Provenge or Xofigo Prolong Life When They Don’t Drop PSA? канала Prostate Cancer Research Institute