androgen synthesis inhibitor
(AN-droh-jen SIN-theh-sis in-HIH-bih-ter)
A substance that blocks an enzyme called CYP17, which the body needs to make androgens (male hormones), such as testosterone. Blocking CYP17 may stop the growth of cancer cells that need androgens to grow. Androgen synthesis inhibitors are used to treat some types of prostate cancer. Examples of androgen synthesis inhibitors are abiraterone and ketoconazole.