Tag: Bicalutamide

While both Zoladex and Casodex are used in the hormonal treatment of advanced prostate cancer, a key distinction lies in their mechanisms of action: Zoladex (goserelin) is an LHRH agonist that suppresses the body's testosterone production, whereas Casodex (bicalutamide) is an antiandrogen that blocks testosterone's ability to stimulate cancer growth. This difference means they are not interchangeable and are often used together in a treatment strategy known as Combined Androgen Blockade.

Over 80% of prostate cancer cases are sensitive to hormonal therapy, which often involves a specific sequencing of medications. A key part of this regimen is understanding when to start Zoladex after bicalutamide to manage the initial hormonal response and avoid complications like tumour flare.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of 20 deaths linked to flutamide-induced hepatotoxicity within the first five years of its approval. This severe risk is the primary reason behind the strategic phasing out of the drug, explaining **why was flutamide discontinued** from widespread clinical use.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2025 [1.6.2]. A primary treatment involves asking: **Can Zoladex and Casodex be taken together?** Yes, this combination is a standard approach.

According to prescribing information, combining bicalutamide (an antiandrogen for prostate cancer) and tamsulosin (an alpha-blocker for BPH) is not directly contraindicated, but it requires careful medical supervision due to a potential metabolic interaction. A urologist might prescribe this combination to manage both prostate cancer and urinary symptoms, provided they closely monitor for side effects.

Originally approved by the FDA in 1995 for treating prostate cancer, bicalutamide is a hormonal therapy medication that blocks the effects of male hormones. This non-steroidal antiandrogen is a key component of cancer treatment strategies to stop the growth and spread of hormone-sensitive cancer cells. This article explores the primary uses, mechanism, and essential details regarding **what is bicalutamide used for**.

Caloxa, a brand name for the drug bicalutamide, is an antiandrogen medication used in combination with other drugs to treat metastatic prostate cancer. Bicalutamide works by blocking the effects of male hormones like testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.