Relugolix: A new kid on the block among gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists.

Abstract

Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is the cornerstone of metastatic prostate cancer treatment. ADT can be achieved through surgical castration, or it may be induced either by gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or GnRH antagonists. GnRH antagonists provide a more rapid castration alongside with a safer profile regarding adverse events. Degarelix is the sole GnRH antagonist used in clinical practice. Injection site reactions are the commonest adverse events related to the use of degarelix. Relugolix, a novel molecule, represents the first orally administered United States Food and Drug Administration approved GnRH antagonist, with clinical efficacy equal to that of the established ADT regimens. The main advantages of relugolix are the avoidance of the injection site reactions of GnRH antagonists such as degarelix alongside its patient-friendly oral administration. The aim of the present review article is to present novel data regarding the role of relugolix as ADT for the treatment of prostate cancer. Abbreviations: ADT: androgen-deprivation therapy; FDA: United States Food and Drug Administration.