Introduction: Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone is approved in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. There is some evidence in favour of the steroid switch from prednisone to dexamethasone in patients who progressed whilst on abiraterone acetate plus prednisone or prednisolone.
Materials and methods: The aim of this review is to discuss the results from the clinical studies available, examining potential mechanisms of action and patient selection criteria for this treatment option.
Results: A total of four studies were evaluated. Among possible eligibility criteria for steroid switch, we found: PSA progression without any radiological or clinical progression during abiraterone acetate + prednisone; no high-grade adverse events related to CYP-17 inhibition; and unfitness for chemotherapy or radium-223.
Conclusion: Although large randomized prospective trials are warranted, steroid switch seems to offer a good option for certain patients treated with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone or prednisolone.
Keywords: Abiraterone; Dexamethasone; Prednisone; Switch.