Dr. Shore on the Potential Utility of Relugolix in Advanced Prostate Cancer

Neal D. Shore, MD, FACS, medical director of the Carolina Urologic Research Center, discusses the potential utility of relugolix in patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists have come in several different formulations that evolved from daily to monthly to yearly doses administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, says Shore. Additionally, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist is approved for use.

Relugolix ​is a novel, once daily, oral GnRH receptor antagonist ​that received a priority review ​designation from the FDA, Shore explains. The oral administration of relugolix may provide a convenient option for patients, particularly given the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. 

Findings from the phase 3 HERO trial demonstrated that relugolix was superior to the LHRH agonist leuprolide (Lupron) in terms of sustained castration rates, prostate-specific antigen response, and testosterone recovery. Additionally, cardiovascular toxicities were significantly reduced with relugolix versus leuprolide, Shore concludes.