Boon In The Fight Against Prostate Cancer Patients

ZYTIGA (Abiraterone Acetate) Receives Fda Approval End Quote

(1888PressRelease) May 04, 2011 - DENVER - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ZYTIGA today, a once-daily, oral medication used in the treatment of certain men with advanced prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among American males. More than 220,000 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and 32,000 men will die from the disease. Young men aged 35 to 44 have been found to have the highest percentage of advanced (metastatic) disease and risk of death. In addition, African American men are 1.6 times as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.4 times as likely to die of this disease.

For over a decade, limited treatments have been available for men with advanced prostate cancer. New therapies like ZYTIGA, not only provide a significant improvement in survival and quality of life for patients but also provide hope to men and their families.

"I am thrilled to have another arrow in our quiver to manage prostate cancer," states E. David Crawford, MD, Chairman of the Prostate Conditions Education Council. " I am excited for patients as we continue to see advancements in all aspects of the disease from early detection and staging to improved surgery techniques and across all treatment options in our fight against prostate cancer."

Phase 3 clinical trials with ZYTIGA and prednisone showed a significant increase in median survival compared with a placebo and prednisone. Clinical trail data show a 35% reduction in the risk of death and up to a 4.6-month median survival advantage. ZYTIGA is indicated, in combination with prednisone, for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have received prior chemotherapy containing docetaxel.

"We hope the recent advancements in prostate cancer treatment options will not only encourage advanced prostate cancer patients to have meaningful conversations with their physicians about treatment options, but will also encourage all men to take an active role in their health and engage in discussion about the early detection of the disease," states Wendy Poage, President of the Prostate Conditions Education Council.

For more information, contact the Prostate Conditions Education Council at 866-4PROST8 (866-477-6788).

About the Prostate Conditions Education Council
A national organization committed to men's health, the Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC) - is the nation's leading resource for information on prostate health. The PCEC is dedicated to saving lives through awareness and the education of men, the women in their lives, as well as the medical community about prostate cancer prevalence, the importance of early detection, and available treatment options, as well as other men's health issues. The Council - comprised of a consortium of leading physicians, health educators, scientists and prostate cancer advocates - aims to conduct nation wide screenings for men and perform research that will aid in the detection and treatment of prostate conditions.

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