Nubeqa Improves Survival Rates in Prostate Cancer Trial
Patients with high-risk prostate cancer saw better four-year survival rates when treated with the drug alongside standard therapy.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Cancer
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The drug Nubeqa improved four-year metastasis-free survival rates in patients with high-risk prostate cancer compared to standard-of-care therapy alone. These findings from the DASL-HiCaP clinical trial were presented at the recent ESMO Congress in Madrid.
Why it matters
For patients diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer, these results suggest an effective way to delay disease progression and extend survival. The study offers new evidence for clinicians weighing treatment options in cases with high Gleason scores.
In the DASL-HiCaP trial of over 1,000 high-risk prostate cancer patients, Nubeqa plus standard therapy yielded a 95% metastasis-free survival rate at four years compared to 88% for the control group. These are interim findings; the final trial analysis is not expected until 2027.
The players
Bayer
A global life sciences company that develops pharmaceuticals, including oncology treatments like Nubeqa.
ESMO Congress
An annual international meeting hosted by the European Society for Medical Oncology that showcases major developments in cancer research.
The details
Patients in the Nubeqa group received the drug alongside androgen deprivation therapy and radiation. Nubeqa works by inhibiting androgen receptors, preventing the cancer cells from utilizing the hormones they need to grow and spread. The trial specifically focused on a high-risk population, with 73% of participants presenting with a Gleason score of 9 or 10.
Timeline
2019: Nubeqa received initial approval for prostate cancer.
2022: The FDA expanded the Nubeqa label to include metastatic castration-sensitive cancer.
2025: The FDA cleared Nubeqa for use without chemotherapy.
October 2026: DASL-HiCaP trial results were presented at the ESMO Congress.
2027: The final analysis of the trial primary endpoint is expected.
Health Landscape
This development positions Nubeqa as a significant addition to the current standard-of-care landscape for high-risk prostate cancer. As researchers continue to monitor the DASL-HiCaP trial, the medical community is observing how these results compare to other established therapies facing patent expirations.
If you are managing high-risk prostate cancer, these findings are worth discussing with your physician to understand how they might apply to your specific treatment plan. Clinicians may use this data to refine the use of androgen receptor inhibitors alongside traditional radiation and hormone therapy.
The takeaway
These results indicate that Nubeqa, when added to standard-of-care therapy, significantly improves metastasis-free survival in patients with high-risk prostate cancer. Patients should speak with their oncology team about current evidence-based options for managing disease progression.
What happens next
The final analysis of the DASL-HiCaP trial primary endpoint is scheduled for 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the latest research and standard treatment approaches, visit our Cancer section.
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