The androgen-blocker Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) improved quality of life compared with chemotherapy for men with prostate cancer, researchers reported at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in February.

The STAMPEDE trial is evaluating treatments for men with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer and those considered at high risk for disease progression. The study previously showed that both Zytiga and the chemotherapy drug docetaxel delayed progression and improved survival when added to standard hormone therapy, leaving open the question of which is a better option.

Now, the study has shown that over two years, men who took Zytiga had higher overall quality of life scores than those on chemotherapy. A similar pattern was seen when looking specifically at physical functioning, role functioning and social functioning. The chemo group, however, reported less fatigue. The pain score was higher in the docetaxel group, possibly due to its side effect of peripheral neuropathy.