Flutamide

Definition

Flutamide is a synthetic nonsteroidal antiandrogen medication used primarily in the treatment of prostate cancer. It works by blocking the action of the male hormone androgen, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flutamide is classified as a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, meaning it blocks the action of androgens without being a steroid itself.
2. Flutamide is primarily used to treat advanced prostate cancer, often in combination with other therapies like luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists.
3. The mechanism of action of flutamide involves competitively binding to androgen receptors, preventing the binding of natural androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
4. Flutamide can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, liver toxicity, and gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men).
5. Flutamide is metabolized in the liver, and its active metabolite, 2-hydroxyflutamide, is responsible for its antiandrogen effects.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of flutamide in the context of hormonal therapy for prostate cancer.
  • Flutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen medication used in the hormonal therapy of prostate cancer. It works by blocking the action of androgens, the male sex hormones that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. By inhibiting the binding of androgens to their receptors, flutamide helps to suppress the growth and progression of prostate cancer. Flutamide is often used in combination with other hormonal therapies, such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, to achieve more effective androgen deprivation and control the disease.
• Describe the mechanism of action of flutamide and how it differs from other antiandrogen medications.
  • Flutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, meaning it blocks the action of androgens without being a steroid itself. Its mechanism of action involves competitively binding to androgen receptors, preventing the binding of natural androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. This competitive inhibition of androgen receptors is the primary way flutamide exerts its antiandrogen effects, in contrast to other antiandrogen medications that may work through different mechanisms, such as inhibiting androgen synthesis or promoting androgen receptor degradation.
• Analyze the potential side effects of flutamide and how they may impact its use in the management of prostate cancer.
  • Flutamide can cause several side effects that may impact its use in the management of prostate cancer. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, liver toxicity, and gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men). The liver toxicity associated with flutamide is particularly concerning, as it can lead to serious liver damage and require close monitoring. Additionally, the side effects of flutamide may affect patient compliance and quality of life, potentially limiting its long-term use. Healthcare providers must carefully weigh the benefits of flutamide against its potential risks and work with patients to manage any adverse effects that arise during treatment.

Related terms

Antiandrogen: An antiandrogen is a type of medication that blocks the action of androgens, the male sex hormones, in the body.

Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a type of treatment that reduces the levels of male hormones, called androgens, in the body to stop them from fueling the growth of prostate cancer cells.