XBIRA contains Abiraterone acetate, an oral anticancer medicine. It is mainly used in the treatment of prostate cancer, particularly metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and in some cases metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). It is usually given along with prednisone or prednisolone to balance hormone effects.

Mechanism of Action

• Abiraterone acetate is converted in the body to abiraterone.

• It blocks an enzyme called CYP17 (17α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase), which is essential for the production of androgens (male hormones like testosterone) in the testes, adrenal glands, and prostate tumor tissue.

• By lowering androgen production, it starves prostate cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow.

  Uses

  • Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) (prostate cancer that continues to grow despite low testosterone).

  • Metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) in combination with androgen deprivation therapy.

    Adverse Effects

    • Common: fluid retention, high blood pressure, low potassium levels, joint pain, hot flushes, diarrhea, fatigue.

    • Liver toxicity → can raise liver enzymes.

    • Adrenal insufficiency (if prednisone is not taken as prescribed).

    • Heart problems → arrhythmias, heart failure, chest pain (due to low potassium and fluid retention).