Uptake of doublet therapy for de novo metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer: a population-based drug utilisation study in Sweden

Abstract

Background: Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated prolonged survival with new upfront treatments in addition to standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with de novo metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. We describe patient characteristics, time trends and regional differences in uptake of these new treatment strategies in clinical practice. Material and methods: This descriptive study consisted of men registered in the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden from 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2022 with de novo metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer defined by the presence of metastases on imaging at the time of diagnosis. Life expectancy was calculated based on age, Charlson Comorbidity Index and a Drug Comorbidity Index. Results: Within 6 months from diagnosis, 57% (1,677/2,959) of men with de novo metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer and more than 3 years of life expectancy had received docetaxel, abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide and/or radiotherapy. Over time, there was a 2-fold increase in uptake of any added treatment, mainly driven by a 6-fold increase in use of abiraterone, enzalutamide or apalutamide, with little change in use of other treatments. Conclusions: Slightly more than half of men diagnosed with de novo metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer and a life expectancy of at least 3 years received additions to standard ADT as recommended by national guidelines in 2019–2022 in Sweden. There was a 2-fold increase in use of these treatments during the study period; however, efforts to further increase adherence to guidelines are warranted.