Biosynthesis of extragonadal androgen may contribute to the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Abiraterone acetate is a selective
inhibitor of androgen biosynthesis that acts by inhibiting cytochrome P450 c17, a critical enzyme in testosterone synthesis, and thereby inhibiting androgen synthesis by the adrenal glands and testis and within the prostate tumor. In 2011, abiraterone was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in combination with prednisone for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have received previous chemotherapy containing docetaxel.1,2
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