Ján Kliment
Degarelix represents a new effective androgen deprivation therapy in patients with advanced prostate cancer which is similar to orchiectomy. It is focusing on avoidance of the undesirable effects of testosteron surges or flares associated with the initial stages of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. Degarelix binds directly to and blocks LHRH receptors producing a significantly more rapid medical castration and prostate-specific antigen response compared with LHRH agonists without an initial surge with no need for flare protection. Degarelix is well tolerated and anaphylactic reactions have not been reported. The most common side effects are mild/moderate injection-site reactions and hot flashes. This new agent represents an important development in the androgen deprivation therapy of prostate cancer.