Xtandi contains Enzalutamide, an oral anticancer medicine used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It belongs to the group called androgen receptor inhibitors. Prostate cancer cells need male hormones (androgens like testosterone) to grow and survive. Xtandi works by blocking the effect of these hormones on cancer cells, helping to slow or stop the disease.

Mechanism of action:
Enzalutamide binds to androgen receptors on prostate cancer cells and prevents male hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) from attaching. It also stops the receptor from moving into the cell nucleus and activating cancer growth genes. This blocks the cancer’s ability to grow and spread, even when testosterone is still present.

Uses:

• Treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)

• Treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)

• Treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)

Adverse effects:
Common side effects include fatigue, weakness, hot flushes, back pain, joint pain, headache, high blood pressure, and swelling in hands or feet. Some patients may experience dizziness, falls, or seizures (rare). Xtandi can also increase the risk of liver problems and rarely cause heart issues.