Latest Strategies for Managing Advanced Prostate Cancer
Explore the latest treatment strategies for advanced prostate cancer, including hormone therapy and surgical options, aimed at managing symptoms and extending survival. While a cure remains elusive, these approaches significantly improve quality of life and disease control.
Prostate cancer develops in the walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis, which produces fluid aiding sperm transport during ejaculation. When prostate cancer spreads to bones, spine, and pelvic regions, it is classified as advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. This stage involves cancer traveling through blood and lymphatic channels to distant sites. Currently, no definitive cure exists for advanced prostate cancer, but treatments aim to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
The five-year survival rate for distant-stage prostate cancer, especially when it affects bones and other organs, drops to around 29%. Nonetheless, modern therapies provide effective options to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Here are two commonly used treatments to consider.
Hormone therapy
Testosterone significantly influences prostate cancer progression. Reducing testosterone levels can slow tumor growth and alleviate symptoms. Hormone therapy, or endocrine therapy, aims to lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a protein linked to prostate cancer activity. While effective, this approach may cause side effects such as sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular issues.
Surgical procedures
When medication and other treatments are insufficient, surgical options like salvage prostatectomy can be performed, involving removal of the entire prostate gland. Another procedure, orchiectomy, involves removing the testicles to decrease testosterone levels, sometimes with prosthetic replacements. These surgical interventions, combined with proper diet and lifestyle adjustments, can help manage symptoms and improve prognosis.
