Stimulation of erythropoiesis by the non-steroidal anti-androgen nilutamide in men with prostate cancer: evidence for an agonistic effect?
1994

Effects of Nilutamide on Red Blood Cells in Prostate Cancer

Sample size: 24 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): A. Decensil, R. Torrisil, V. Fontana

Primary Institution: National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy

Hypothesis

Does the non-steroidal anti-androgen nilutamide stimulate erythropoiesis in men with prostate cancer?

Conclusion

Nilutamide administration significantly increases haemoglobin and haematocrit levels in men with prostate cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • Nilutamide induced a significant increase in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels over time.
  • The difference in haemoglobin levels between the nilutamide and LHRH agonist groups was statistically significant.
  • Testosterone levels increased slightly in the nilutamide group.

Takeaway

This study found that a medicine called nilutamide can help increase red blood cells in men with prostate cancer.

Methodology

The study involved 24 men with prostate cancer treated with nilutamide, compared to 38 historical controls treated with D-tryptophan-6-LHRH.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the lack of randomization.

Limitations

The study lacked a randomized comparison group.

Participant Demographics

Median age of participants was 71 years, with a range of 57-78.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.008

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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