Treatment options

Advanced Prostate Cancer

Advanced prostate cancer refers to prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body or has become more difficult to treat. This stage of cancer typically indicates that the disease has either locally advanced (spread to nearby tissues) or metastasized (spread to distant organs or bones). Advanced prostate cancer is more complex and may require a combination of treatments to manage its progression.

Types of Advanced Prostate Cancer

    1. Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer

    The cancer has grown outside the prostate to nearby tissues, such as the seminal vesicles, bladder, or rectum, but hasn’t spread to distant parts of the body.

    2. Metastatic Prostate Cancer

    The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as bones, lymph nodes, lungs, or liver. Metastatic prostate cancer is considered more severe and is harder to control.

    3. Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC)

    Cancer that continues to grow even when the level of testosterone (a hormone that fuels prostate cancer growth) is reduced to very low levels through hormonal therapy.

    4. Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

    Prostate cancer that still responds to hormone therapy, which reduces the level of androgens (male hormones) to slow or stop the growth of the cancer.

    Treatment Options for Advanced Prostate Cancer

      1. Hormonal Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy, ADT)

      Aims to reduce or block the production of testosterone, slowing the growth of cancer cells.

      2. Chemotherapy

      Used when cancer has spread widely, chemotherapy helps to kill rapidly growing cancer cells throughout the body.

      3. Targeted Therapy

      These drugs specifically target cancer cell mechanisms and are used for cancers with specific mutations or characteristics.

      5. Radiation Therapy

      External beam radiation or radiopharmaceuticals may be used to shrink tumors or treat bone metastases to reduce pain.

      5. Immunotherapy

      This treatment boosts the body’s immune system to help it attack and destroy cancer cells.

      6. Bone-Targeting Therapies

      If cancer has spread to the bones, these therapies help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures or pain.

      7. Clinical Trials

      Patients with advanced prostate cancer may be eligible for clinical trials, which offer access to new and experimental therapies.

      Symptoms of Advanced Prostate Cancer

      • Pain, especially in the bones (hips, spine, or ribs)
      • Difficulty urinating or blood in the urine
      • Fatigue and weakness
      • Swelling in the legs or feet
      • Unintended weight loss
      • Erectile dysfunction

        Prognosis

        While advanced prostate cancer is more challenging to cure, it can often be managed for many years with treatment. The goal of treatment is typically to slow the cancer’s growth, manage symptoms, and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.

          Rio Grande Cancer Specialists’ Advanced Prostate Cancer Center is a specialized facility dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of prostate cancer, especially in its more complex and advanced stages. At our center, a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiation therapists, urologists, and support staff work closely to deliver the highest level of care tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Cutting-edge technology and innovative treatment options are at the core of the services provided, ensuring that patients receive the most effective and least invasive treatments possible.

          At Rio Grande Cancer Specialists, we understand that a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially in its advanced stages. But here, you are not alone. Our Advanced Prostate Cancer Center is committed to providing you with personalized, compassionate care every step of the way. With access to groundbreaking treatments and a dedicated team of specialists, we are focused on fighting this disease alongside you. There is hope, and every day brings new possibilities. Together, we’ll work toward better health, healing, and a future full of promise. Your journey may be challenging, but with the right care, support, and determination, you are never without hope.