Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
Advanced prostate cancer is a diagnosis no one wants to receive. However, if you are unfortunate enough to develop prostate cancer, you do have options.
What are some potential treatments for advanced prostate cancer?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, there is still hope. Here are just a few treatment options available to you.
Table of Contents
Endocrine Therapy
Testosterone can encourage growth in prostate cancer. By inhibiting the production of testosterone, doctors can effectively slow or halt the progress of prostate cancer. Hormone therapy with the use of endocrines is a form of prostate cancer treatment that offers relief from prostate cancer symptoms, as well as gives the patient more time.
Unfortunately, there are certain risks that come with hormone therapy. Loss of sex drive, impotence, heart problems, and osteoporosis are just a few negative side effects that can come with endocrine therapy. The body may also stop responding to the treatment over time, allowing cancer to start growing again.
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can be used in addition to other forms of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy. However, it can also be used on its own.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with hormone therapy or can be used on its own once endocrine therapy is no longer effective. During chemotherapy, the medication docetaxel is used to prevent the cancer cells from dividing and growing. Like other chemotherapy treatments, this form of prostate cancer treatment comes with a variety of side effects, including, but not limited to:
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Weight loss
- Bone marrow suppression
Provenge
Provenge, also known as Sipuleucel-T, is a type of vaccine used to prolong the lifespan of those suffering from prostate cancer. Immune cells are taken from the patient and genetically engineered to fight cancer cells before being injected back into the body. This treatment is typically used following unsuccessful hormone therapy.
If you want to know more about Provenge, this page has all the information on Provenge as a treatment option for advanced prostate cancer.
Surgery
In instances where the tumor is contained and has not spread to other parts of the body, surgery is an option. While it is not often used for stage 4 cancer, your doctor may recommend one of two surgical options.
Radical prostatectomy is the first option, where your doctor will remove your prostate entirely. Lymph node removal may also be performed as well; the lymph nodes around the prostate would be removed and tested for cancer. Either form of surgery can be done with chemotherapy, Provenge therapy, or endocrine therapy.
Treat Advanced Prostate Cancer the Right Way
Advanced prostate cancer doesn’t have to be the end for you. Talk with your doctor about the best prostate cancer treatment methods for you to start working on a care plan.
Do you know someone who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Share this article with your friends and family to help spread the word about advanced prostate cancer treatment options today.
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