Abiraterone Acetate Dose-Escalation Study in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer

This is an open-label (identity of assigned study drug will be known) study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics (study of what the body does to a drug), pharmacodynamics (study of what a drug does to the body), and anti-tumor activities of abiraterone acetate (also known as CB7630) in patients with HRPC. The study will be conducted in 2 phases (Phase 1 and Phase 2). In the first part of the study (Phase 1), the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of abiraterone acetate will be determined for use in the second part of the study (Phase 2) where the number of patients who achieve at least a 50% decrease in prostate specific antigen (PSA) during treatment with abiraterone acetate will be assessed (MTD from Phase 1). Abiraterone acetate will be taken orally (by mouth) in fed and fasted patients once daily. Doses of abiraterone acetate (starting at 250 mg up to a maximum of 2000 mg) will be taken for 28-day treatment periods to determine the MTD. Patients will take MTD of abiraterone acetate for up to twelve 28 day cycles (12 months; patients will be given the option of staying on abiraterone acetate treatment if they are deriving benefit). In Phase 2, prednisone or dexamethasone will be administered concurrently with abiraterone acetate. Serial pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic samples will be collected and safety will be monitored throughout the study.