#1 Clinical Trials Search in Europe

Buserelin Acetate

Buserelin Acetate is a medication that has been studied in various clinical trials for its potential benefits in reproductive health and cancer treatment. This article explores the use of Buserelin Acetate in different medical contexts, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), ovarian stimulation, and prostate cancer management. We’ll examine the findings from several clinical trials to better understand how this drug is being used and its potential impact on patient outcomes.

Table of Contents

What is Buserelin Acetate?

Buserelin Acetate is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. These drugs work by affecting the hormones in your body, particularly those related to reproduction. Buserelin is also known by the brand name Suprefact[1].

Medical Uses of Buserelin Acetate

Buserelin Acetate is used to treat several conditions related to hormones and reproduction:

  • Prostate Cancer: It’s used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Buserelin works by reducing the levels of male hormones (androgens) in the body, which can slow down the growth of prostate cancer cells[2].
  • Infertility Treatment: Buserelin is used in assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). It helps control the timing of ovulation (egg release) during fertility treatments[3].
  • Ovarian Stimulation: In some fertility treatments, Buserelin is used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs[4].

How Buserelin Acetate is Administered

Buserelin Acetate can be administered in different ways, depending on the condition being treated and the specific treatment protocol:

  • Subcutaneous Injection: This is the most common method. The medication is injected under the skin, typically in the abdomen area. For prostate cancer treatment, it’s usually given every 1-3 months[2].
  • Nasal Spray: In some fertility treatments, Buserelin may be administered as a nasal spray.
  • Dosage: The dosage can vary. For example, in some fertility treatments, patients might receive 50 μg (micrograms) twice daily[1].

Potential Side Effects

Like all medications, Buserelin Acetate can cause side effects. These can vary depending on why you’re taking the medication and your individual response. Some potential side effects include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Mood changes
  • Decreased libido (sex drive)
  • Headaches
  • Temporary worsening of symptoms at the start of treatment (in prostate cancer)

It’s important to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Ongoing Research and Clinical Trials

Buserelin Acetate continues to be studied in various clinical trials to explore its effectiveness in different treatment protocols:

  • Prostate Cancer Treatment: Researchers are studying the use of Buserelin in combination with other treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy for prostate cancer[5].
  • Fertility Treatments: Studies are comparing different protocols using Buserelin for ovarian stimulation in IVF treatments. For example, one study compared a half-dose of a long-acting GnRH agonist (like Buserelin) to daily low doses in IVF cycles[3].
  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Researchers are investigating the use of Buserelin to trigger final egg maturation in IVF cycles, which might reduce the risk of OHSS, a potential complication of fertility treatments[6].

These ongoing studies aim to optimize the use of Buserelin in various medical conditions and improve patient outcomes.

Trial Focus Use of Buserelin Acetate Key Findings/Objectives
IVF/ICSI Cycles Long standard protocol with 0.1 ml s.c. twice per day Compared age-based vs. AMH-based individualized treatment for optimal oocyte retrieval (8-14 oocytes)
Poor Responders in IVF Microdose GnRH-agonist flare protocol (50 μg SC twice a day) Compared with clomiphene citrate/gonadotropin/antagonist protocol for clinical pregnancy rates
Prostate Cancer Part of total androgen blockade, various administration methods Compared intermittent vs. continuous androgen suppression for survival and quality of life
Ovarian Stimulation Compared with half-dose depot triptorelin Evaluated efficacy in long protocol for ICSI/ET cycles
Poor Responders in IVF Microdose GnRH agonist flare protocol (50 μg SC twice daily) Compared with GnRH antagonist/letrozole protocol for ovarian stimulation outcomes

FAQ

  • What is Buserelin Acetate? Buserelin Acetate is a type of medication known as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It works by affecting hormone levels in the body and is used in various medical treatments, particularly in reproductive health and cancer management.
  • How is Buserelin Acetate used in IVF treatments? In IVF treatments, Buserelin Acetate is often used as part of ovarian stimulation protocols. It can be administered in different forms, such as subcutaneous injections, to help control the timing of ovulation and improve the chances of successful egg retrieval.
  • What are the potential benefits of using Buserelin Acetate in ovarian stimulation? Buserelin Acetate may help improve the response to ovarian stimulation in some patients, particularly those who have had poor responses in previous IVF cycles. It can be used in various protocols, including long protocols and microdose flare protocols, to potentially increase the number of retrieved oocytes.
  • How is Buserelin Acetate used in prostate cancer treatment? In prostate cancer treatment, Buserelin Acetate is used as part of hormone therapy. It helps to suppress testosterone production, which can slow down the growth of prostate cancer cells. It's often used in combination with other treatments or as part of long-term management strategies.
  • Are there any side effects associated with Buserelin Acetate use? Like all medications, Buserelin Acetate can have side effects. These may include hot flashes, mood changes, and temporary changes in hormone levels. The specific side effects can vary depending on the dosage and duration of use. It's important to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Buserelin Acetate

  • Study Comparing 177Lu-PSMA-617 with Standard Treatment for Men with Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Czechia Denmark France Germany +4

  • Study Comparing Docetaxel, Darolutamide, and ADT for Patients with Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Germany

Glossary

  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist: A type of medication that mimics the action of natural GnRH in the body, initially stimulating the release of reproductive hormones before eventually suppressing them.
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF): A complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child.
  • Ovarian stimulation: A process in which medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs for fertility treatments.
  • Oocyte: An immature egg cell in the ovary.
  • Androgen suppression: The process of reducing the levels of male hormones (androgens) in the body, often used in prostate cancer treatment.
  • Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH): Another term for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hormone that regulates the production of sex hormones.
  • Microdose flare protocol: A type of ovarian stimulation protocol that uses low doses of GnRH agonist to stimulate the ovaries before starting gonadotropin injections.
  • Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH): A technique used in assisted reproduction to induce the development of multiple follicles in the ovaries.
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A specialized form of IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
  • Embryo transfer: The process of placing an embryo into the uterus during IVF treatment.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00823004
  2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00002633
  3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00461916
  4. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00830492
  5. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00651326
  6. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00627406