Prostate cancer is found to be most common in men among other cancer types. Generally, prostate cancer is diagnosed early, which makes it treatable. However, in some cases, it may spread to other organs, which characterizes it as advanced prostate cancer. Patients diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer require a complex treatment approach and intensive care. Therefore, knowing about the available treatment options is crucial. Therefore, in this article, we will guide you through the symptoms and treatment options of advanced prostate cancer.
What is advanced prostate cancer?
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland situated in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It secretes fluid that induces nourishment and transforms the sperm. When the cells of the prostate start to divide in an unregulated manner, it causes prostate cancer. In advanced prostate cancer, the disease is spread to the nearest lymph nodes and to the adjacent tissues making it metastatic prostate cancer.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In its early stage, prostate cancer often shows no signs. However, when it marches towards the advanced stage, the following symptoms may be observed.
Pain while urinating
Blood in semen
Blood in urine
Low body mass
Reduction in urine stream force
Erectile dysfunction
What are the available 5 treatment options for advanced prostate cancer?
There are several treatment options have been discovered in past decades that have helped to cure advanced prostate cancer. Those options are discussed here.
Hormone Therapy: The Cornerstone of Treatment Strategy
Hormone therapy, is also famous as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is a primary treatment for advanced prostate cancer. It works by limiting the levels of androgens (male hormones) like testosterone, which promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. For example, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) is a class of medication that directs the pituitary gland to reduce the release of luteinizing hormone to lower testosterone production.
Similarly, anti-androgens block the actions of androgens by preventing them from binding to their receptors on cancer cells. For instance, Caluran CP 50mg Tablet contains Bicalutamide which inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
Other Treatment Options
While hormone therapy is central to managing advanced prostate cancer, other treatments are often employed in combination or sequentially to enhance outcomes:
Chemotherapy: It is used to kill the rapidly growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be particularly effective when cancer has spread extensively.
Targeted Therapy: Newer treatments focus on specific genetic changes in cancer cells where the biomolecular tuning in cancer cells retard their growth and proliferation.
Immunotherapy: This innovative approach boosts the body's immune cells to detect and kill cancer cells.
Bone-directed Therapy: Since advanced prostate cancer commonly spreads to bones, medications like bisphosphonates or denosumab are used to strengthen bones and limit the risk of fractures.
During treatment, your doctor may recommend several tests to observe Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs.
What are the side effects of advanced prostate cancer therapy?
Treatment for advanced prostate cancer can lead to various side effects, which can impact the patient's quality of life. Common side effects include:
Hormone Therapy: Hot flashes, reduced libido, fatigue, and osteoporosis.
Chemotherapy: Nausea, hair loss, lowered blood counts, and increased infection risk.
Bone-directed Therapy: Bone pain, potential risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (rare).
It is essential for patients to discuss serious side effects with their doctors and develop a plan to manage them effectively.
A comprehensive understanding of available treatment options for prostate cancer helps patients to understand the complexity, side effects, and efficacy of the treatment. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer offers the upper hand to the patients and increases the chances of survival significantly. Furthermore, developments in medical sciences have produced several next-generation molecules that enhance the survival rate of advanced prostate cancer.