From the Guidelines
Bicalutamide is primarily used in the treatment of prostate cancer, specifically for patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease, and is often prescribed in a dosage of 150 mg daily. The medication works by blocking the effects of androgens (male hormones) on cancer cells, thereby slowing the growth and spread of prostate cancer 1. It's essential to note that this medication does not cure prostate cancer but helps manage it. Common side effects include breast tenderness and enlargement, hot flashes, and fatigue. Liver function should be monitored regularly during treatment. Bicalutamide is contraindicated in women, particularly those who are or may become pregnant, due to potential fetal harm. Some key points to consider when prescribing bicalutamide include:
- The medication is often used in combination with other treatments, such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists.
- The optimal duration of treatment with bicalutamide is not well established, but it is typically continued for as long as the patient derives benefit from it.
- Patients should be closely monitored for signs of disease progression and adverse effects, and the medication should be adjusted or discontinued as needed.
- Bicalutamide has been shown to improve progression-free survival in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer, but its effect on overall survival is less clear 1. It is crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks of bicalutamide treatment for each individual patient, taking into account their specific disease characteristics, medical history, and personal preferences. In general, bicalutamide is a valuable treatment option for patients with prostate cancer, but its use should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare professional.
From the FDA Drug Label
Bicalutamide tablets 50 mg daily is indicated for use in combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog for the treatment of Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. Bicalutamide tablets are a prescription medicine called an androgen receptor inhibitor, used in combination with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) medicines to treat Stage D2 metastatic prostate cancer. Bicalutamide tablets 50 mg is an androgen receptor inhibitor indicated for use in combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog for the treatment of Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate.
The use of Bicalutamide (Casodex) is for the treatment of Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate in combination with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog. The approved dosage is 50 mg daily 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
Use of Bicalutamide (Casodex)
Bicalutamide, also known as Casodex, is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen used in the treatment of prostate cancer. The primary use of Bicalutamide is to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells by blocking the effects of androgens (male hormones) [ 3 ].
Indications
The indications for Bicalutamide include:
- Treatment of advanced prostate cancer [ 3 ]
- Treatment of locally advanced nonmetastatic prostate cancer as immediate therapy either as an adjuvant to active treatment or as monotherapy as an alternative to surgical or medical castration [ 4 ]
- Monotherapy for patients with locally advanced disease [ 5 ]
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Bicalutamide is:
- 50 mg daily when used in combination with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist analogue (LHRH-A) [ 3 ]
- 150 mg daily as monotherapy for patients with locally advanced disease [ 4 ]
Benefits
The benefits of Bicalutamide include:
- Retention of libido and sexual potency when used as monotherapy [ 3 ]
- Lower incidence of diarrhea compared to flutamide [ 3 ]
- Better tolerability and higher health-related quality-of-life scores for sexual interest and physical capacity compared to surgical or medical castration [ 4 ]
- Disease-free survival benefits over standard care alone [ 4 ]
- Overall survival benefits when used in combination with radiation therapy [ 4 ]
Side Effects
The common side effects of Bicalutamide include: