Cardiovascular complications during the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer with the use of modern antiandrogens: abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide

Modern antiandrogens: abiraterone acetate (inhibitor of CYP17 cytochrome) and enzalutamide (irreversible inhibitor of androgen receptor) are the drugs that are increasingly often administered in treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Despite their clinical efficacy, especially in terms of prolonged survival and improved quality of life of patients, they pose of problem for a practicing oncologist such as possible cardiovascular complications (particularly arterial hypertension), which may lead to the cessation of this form of therapy. This article provides a brief overview of the mechanisms responsible for the above complications, including practical recommendations in the event such complications arise. A simple scheme of action for control of cardiovascular risk factors has been presented, which can improve the prognosis in this population of patients.