AstraZeneca: Truqap improved radiographic progression-free survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer

1. The addition of Truqap to standard-of-care therapy improved radiographic progression-free survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer and loss of function in PTEN protein.

2. The addition of Truqap may improve overall survival but data collection is still ongoing.

The Latest

In the randomized phase 3 CAPltello-281 trial, Truqap combined with current standard-of-care therapy abiraterone + androgen deprivation therapy improved radiographic progression-free survival in patients with PTEN-deficient metastatic prostate cancer. Data collection for the secondary outcome of overall survival is still ongoing, but shows a trend toward improvement.

Physician’s Perspective

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in men, and metastatic prostate cancer is associated with a significant mortality rate. Prostate cancer is driven by male sex hormones called androgens. Current therapeutics target blocking the action of and lowering the levels of these androgens. However, resistance to these therapies is common. Therefore, novel therapeutics that work alongside and extend the efficacy of androgen-lowering therapeutics are much needed. About one in four patients with metastatic prostate cancer have a deficiency in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein, a key tumor suppressor protein. PTEN deficiency leads to dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway leading to increased cancer cell growth. This is typically associated with worse outcomes.

Molecular Target of Therapy

In patients with prostate cancer and a loss of function in PTEN, the PI3K/AKT pathway is dysregulated resulting in increased tumor cell growth. Truqap (capivasertib) is an inhibitor of all three types of the protein kinase AKT (AKT1/2/3). Truqap competes with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for binding to the AKT kinase domain and subsequently prevents phosphorylation and activation of downstream proteins that promote cell growth.

Company History

AstraZeneca was established in 1999 after the merger of Swedish company Astra AB and British company Zeneca Group. AstraZeneca is a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company that focuses on developing therapeutics for respiratory/autoimmune, cardiovascular/metabolic, and oncological diseases. In addition to its use in prostate cancer, Truqap received FDA approval in November 2023 for use in the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with recurrence of progression on hormone-based therapy.

Further reading: https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2024/truqap-improved-rpfs-in-advanced-prostate-cancer.html

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