URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking drug combination has been confirmed to reduce the risk of death in men with advanced prostate cancer by more than 40%. This significant development was announced during the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress (ESMO) on October 19, 2025, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
Patients whose prostate cancer recurs after surgery or radiation now have a promising new treatment option. The combination therapy incorporates enzalutamide, a drug that is added to standard hormone therapy, offering hope for those facing aggressive cancer that has returned. Research shows this innovative approach can drastically improve survival rates for patients who have run out of treatment options.
Dr. Stephen Freedland, the co-principal investigator of the study and director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle at Cedars-Sinai Cancer, emphasized the urgency of these findings. “After initial treatment, some patients see their prostate cancer come back in an aggressive way and are at risk for their disease to spread quickly,” he stated. “Hormone therapy has not improved survival, making these findings a real game changer.”
The clinical trial involved over 1,000 patients across 244 sites in 17 countries. All participants were diagnosed with high-risk biochemically recurrent prostate cancer, evidenced by a rapid rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after treatment. Elevated PSA indicates a high likelihood of cancer recurrence and spread, often to critical areas like the bones or spine.
The results are striking: after eight years, patients receiving the combination therapy experienced a 40.3% reduction in risk of death compared to those receiving standard hormone therapy alone or enzalutamide alone. This data underscores the urgent need for effective treatments in a population at high risk of developing metastatic disease.
Dr. Robert Figlin, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, highlighted the importance of this trial, stating, “The result will be improved treatment and better outcomes for patients everywhere.” The study’s findings will likely influence treatment guidelines, reinforcing enzalutamide’s place as a standard care option for patients with recurrent prostate cancer.
Dr. Hyung Kim, a urologic oncologist at Cedars-Sinai, added, “These important findings identify a treatment that prolongs survival in men with aggressive prostate cancer.” The analysis aligns with previous studies showing enzalutamide’s effectiveness across various prostate cancer settings, signaling a transformative shift in patient care.
Funding for this crucial research was provided by Pfizer Inc. and Astellas Pharma Inc., who co-developed enzalutamide. As the medical community reacts to these findings, patients and advocates are encouraged to stay informed about potential changes in treatment protocols.
This development is not just a clinical breakthrough; it represents a beacon of hope for men battling advanced prostate cancer. For patients, families, and healthcare providers, the urgency of these findings cannot be overstated. As we move forward, the focus will be on integrating these new treatment options into patient care to ensure better survival outcomes.
Keep an eye on this evolving story as more details emerge and the medical community adapts to these promising advancements in prostate cancer treatment.
