The anti-fungal medication used off label and in trial to treat advanced prostate cancer. What dire side effects have been found?

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Wm. Kevin Kelly, DO

Academic Title: Professor

Board Certifications:
Medical Oncology

Ketoconazole is the anti-fungal drug we use. This has been used for the last two decades with variable success (20-40 percent) showing some good affects, although some have difficulty taking this medication.

The new and improved version is a drug called abiraterone acetate or by the brand name Zytigia. This is a well tolerated therapy, however, it is only indicated for patients with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer who have failed chemotherapy.