Orgovyx: The first oral drug for treating advanced prostate cancer
- Orgovyx, FDA-approved for prostate cancer, blocks hormone action to quickly and efficiently lower testosterone.
- Ideal for advanced prostate cancer, it slows aggressive cancer growth without causing testosterone flares.
- It is the first GnRH receptor antagonist for advanced prostate cancer that can be taken as a pill versus an injection.
- While generally heart-safe, it requires monitoring as it can potentially lead to heart rhythm changes. And like any drug, it can cause side effects.
Orgovyx works by blocking the action of a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the production of testosterone in the testicles. By lowering testosterone levels, Orgovyx can slow down the growth of prostate cancer cells that depend on testosterone.
Read MoreWho is a good candidate for Orgovyx?
Orgovyx is particularly helpful for patients with advanced prostate cancer because it does a good job of lowering testosterone quickly.“Orgovyx is specifically aimed at patients where we need to rapidly decrease testosterone levels,” Dr. Wise explains. “This makes it a strong option for those with aggressive, fast-growing or metastatic cancers that react quickly to changes in testosterone level.”
Dr. Wise adds that the drug’s ability to swiftly reduce testosterone helps slow the progression of aggressive cancer types. Slower-acting treatments may not work as well.
What are the benefits and risks of Orgovyx?
One of the key advantages of Orgovyx is its rapid action in lowering testosterone levels, which is crucial for effective prostate cancer treatment, especially when the cancer is fast moving and aggressive.
Unlike some other drugs that lower testosterone levels, Orgovyx does not cause testosterone flares. This means that Orgovyx lowers testosterone levels without increasing them first, which can cause a temporary worsening of symptoms in some patients.
Another advantage: unlike other GnRH antagonists that are given as injections, Orgovyx is a pill you take once a day.
“The oral delivery mechanism of Orgovyx sets it apart from other options,” Dr. Wise notes.
However, like all medications, Orgovyx can have side effects.
Common problems include:
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
“While Orgovyx has typical side effects, its ease of administration is a significant benefit,” Dr. Wise notes.
Related: When Should I Consider Clinical Trials?
Is Orgovyx safe for the heart?
There is less of a risk that Orgovyx will cause cardiovascular problems compared to other drugs that lower testosterone levels, but it can still cause changes in the electrical activity of your heart. This can lead to abnormal heart rhythms which might be dangerous, especially if you have other heart problems or take certain medications.
Your doctor may check your heart function and electrolyte levels before and during your treatment with Orgovyx.
Dr. Wise emphasizes the need to consider all factors before taking Orgovyx.
“This is another area that needs to be individualized with this gray area in the data between physician and patient and which formulation is best taking all these factors into account,” he says.
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