Managing Advanced Prostate Cancer: Treatment Strategies and Support

While metastatic prostate cancer cannot be fully cured, there are effective treatments to extend lifespan and slow disease progression. These therapies aim to manage symptoms and control tumor growth.

How does hormone therapy assist in treating metastatic prostate cancer?

It targets testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer growth.

Often used alone in advanced stages, hormone therapy continues until tumor reduction facilitates other options.

It may also follow other treatment methods.

Types of hormone therapy include:

Surgical options
Removing the testicles reduces testosterone rapidly when medication isn't sufficient.

Pharmaceutical options
Medications either stop testosterone production or prevent it from reaching cancer cells.

Hormone therapy may cause side effects such as osteoporosis, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction.

Is surgery necessary for advanced prostate cancer?

Surgical intervention isn't always mandatory, but may be recommended for urinary issues.

Radical prostatectomy involves removing the prostate to eliminate localized tumors.

This procedure is suitable when cancer hasn't spread extensively.

Possible complications include infection, bleeding, or rectal injury.

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation aims to destroy cancer cells, either alone or post-surgery to target residual disease.

Utilizing large machines, beams are directed to affected areas, effectively killing tumor cells.

Combination approaches, like hormone therapy plus radiation, are common for larger tumors or pain relief.

Available treatments for metastatic prostate cancer

Chemotherapy
Effective for aggressive or spreading tumors, it alleviates symptoms and delays progression.

Medication management
Prescribed to relieve specific symptoms and manage pain.

Immunotherapy
Enhances the immune system to target cancer cells.

Radioisotope therapy
Involves infusion of radioactive substances, especially useful for bone metastases.

Support options and resources

Numerous online and local support groups provide emotional aid and information.

Financial assistance programs, including Medicaid, can ease treatment costs, so check eligibility early.

Planning ahead for travel and accommodation can be beneficial if treatment is farther from home.

Why seek emotional support?

A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally overwhelming; staying mentally resilient aids recovery.

Connect with loved ones, counselors, or support groups to maintain emotional well-being.