What is the success rate of PROVENGE?

Among patients in the lowest baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) quartile (≤5.27 ng/mL), nearly half (44.1%) of the men in the registry received no additional cancer treatments for at least 1 year. Of these men, nearly 95% received sipuleucel-T (PROVENGE) as a first-line treatment.

Does PROVENGE really work?

Studies have shown that in patients with metastatic prostate cancer, Provenge has allowed men to live longer with minimal side effects, and reducing the risk of death by 22.5%. Most side effects are mild to moderate and last only 1 to 2 days.

How long do side effects from PROVENGE last?

PROVENGE (sipuleucel-T) Side Effects. Most infusion-related side effects lasted 1 or 2 days. Some patients have experienced serious adverse events while taking PROVENGE.

Does PROVENGE lower PSA?

PROVENGE works differently from other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Unlike these treatments, PROVENGE may not lower your PSA level. The goal of PROVENGE treatment is not to lower PSA level, it is to extend life.

How much does PROVENGE treatment cost?

Each infusion of Provenge will cost $31,000, bringing the full cost of treatment for three infusions to $93,000. As the company put it, the drug will cost about $23,000 per month of life extension, based on the Phase III study that found the drug extended life by 4.1 months.

What is the life expectancy of someone with metastatic prostate cancer?

A decade ago, a man with metastatic prostate cancer would typically have a life expectancy of two to three years. Today, life expectancy for men with the same advanced disease is likely to be five to six years.

Who is a candidate for PROVENGE?

Provenge was approved for treatment of metastatic hormone-resistant prostate cancer in 2010. It’s intended for men who are having no symptoms or minimal symptoms. The vaccine encourages your immune system to seek out and attack prostate cancer cells.

How much does PROVENGE cost?

Does Medicare pay for PROVENGE?

PROVENGE is covered by Medicare and by most private insurance plans. For men receiving PROVENGE, 90% of Medicare fee-for-service members have a supplement and are expected to have minimal or no out-of-pocket costs; 85% of out-of-pocket costs are less than $50.

Can metastatic prostate cancer go into remission?

When first treated with hormonal therapy, metastatic prostate cancer usually responds to hormone treatments and goes into remission. But sometimes cancer cells can resist treatments. Prostate cancer cells can “learn” how to grow without male hormones.