What is a Non-Steroidal Anti-androgen?
Non-steroidal anti-androgens (e.g. bicalutamide – ‘CASODEX’, flutamide), block the action of testosterone and therefore prevent it from working. They do this by attaching themselves to proteins (receptors) in the cancer cells. They are used in combination therapy (with and LHRHa) in advanced disease. Bicalutamide 150mg is also used as monotherapy in locally advanced disease where it has been shown to be as effective as medical or surgical castration. It is also used in combination with prostatectomy or radiotherapy as adjuvant therapy for locally advanced disease. They are taken orally, as tablets.
