Dr. Samuelson on Frontline Treatment and Subsequent Sequencing in Prostate Cancer

Scott Samuelson, MD, medical oncologist, Utah Cancer Specialists, discusses frontline treatment of patients with prostate cancer and subsequent sequencing.

A lot of the decision depends on a patient’s performance status, says Samuelson. Whether or not they are a candidate for chemotherapy is a big factor as well. Considering a patient’s eligibility for chemotherapy is very important as it is a very effective therapeutic agent. However, Samuelson states that abiraterone acetate (Zytiga) and enzalutamide (Xtandi) are also great options. For a lot of patients, the decision comes down to cost.

Samuelson takes care of a number of patients who live several hours from the clinic. Oral agents tend to be preferable for these patients. The costs of some of the oral agents, though usually not prohibitive, do pose an additional challenge for some patients. These patients may prefer an intravenous agent that tends to be covered better by insurance, says Samuelson.