How long will I need to take abiraterone?
The length of treatment with abiraterone can vary widely depending on the specifics of your disease and your response to the medication. Abiraterone is usually prescribed for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) or high-risk prostate cancer that does not respond to other treatments.
In general, abiraterone is used as a long-term treatment as long as the medication remains effective and is well tolerated. Your healthcare provider will regularly monitor your response to the medication using PSA levels, imaging studies, and assessments of side effects.
Some factors that influence how long you might take abiraterone include:
Response to treatment: If the medication effectively controls your cancer and you experience manageable side effects, you may continue taking it for a long period of time.
Side effects: If you experience significant side effects that cannot be managed, your doctor may adjust your treatment plan.
Cancer progression: If your cancer progresses despite treatment, your doctor may consider other treatment options.
Your health care team will tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and make adjustments based on your response to medication and any side effects you experience. It's important to follow up regularly with your health care provider to make sure your treatment remains effective and appropriate.