Facing a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming but understanding the available treatment options is crucial for patients and their loved ones. The landscape of prostate cancer treatment is continually evolving, with a range of common options aimed at addressing the disease’s complexities. Fortunately, you can learn everything you need to know about prostate cancer treatments with a search online right now, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.
Active Surveillance
Active surveillance, also known as watchful waiting, is a treatment approach commonly recommended for patients with low-risk prostate cancer. Instead of immediately pursuing aggressive treatments, active surveillance involves closely monitoring the cancer’s progression through regular check-ups, PSA blood tests, and periodic biopsies. This strategy aims to balance the need for cancer control while minimizing overtreatment and potential side effects.
During active surveillance, healthcare professionals carefully assess the cancer’s characteristics, such as the Gleason score (a measure of cancer aggressiveness), PSA levels, and tumor size. By actively monitoring these factors, doctors can determine if the cancer is stable or progressing. Regular follow-up appointments, usually every 3- to 6-months, allow healthcare providers to closely track any changes in the cancer’s behavior.
Surgery
Surgery, specifically a radical prostatectomy, is a common treatment option for localized prostate cancer. It involves the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland along with surrounding tissues, including seminal vesicles. The goal of surgery is to eliminate the cancerous cells and potentially achieve a cure.
There are different surgical techniques available for performing a radical prostatectomy. Open surgery involves making an incision in the lower abdomen to access the prostate. On the other hand, laparoscopic surgery utilizes small incisions and a specialized camera to guide the surgeon’s instruments. There is also robot-assisted surgery, known as robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), which combines the precision of laparoscopic surgery with the assistance of robotic technology. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each type of surgery and follow your doctor’s guidance to find the best approach for your case.
Orgovyx
Orgovyx (relugolix) is an innovative oral treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Approved by the FDA in December 2020, it is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist that effectively reduces testosterone levels, slowing cancer progression. Clinical trials showed Orgovyx maintained testosterone suppression in over 96% of patients through 48 weeks.
Compared to Lupron, a commonly used injectable therapy, Orgovyx provides convenience as a daily oral medication and avoids the initial hormone surge seen with Lupron. Orgovyx has also demonstrated a lower risk of major cardiovascular events. Patients should discuss potential side effects, including hot flushes and musculoskeletal pain, with their healthcare providers
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is another common treatment option for prostate cancer that utilizes high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be administered externally or internally, depending on the specific technique used.
External beam radiation therapy involves directing radiation beams from outside the body toward the prostate gland. The treatment is typically delivered in daily sessions over several weeks. Alternatively, brachytherapy involves the placement of tiny radioactive seeds or pellets directly into the prostate gland. These radioactive sources deliver radiation to the cancerous cells over time while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues.
Radiation therapy is often a primary treatment option for localized prostate cancer, especially when surgery is not a feasible or preferred choice. However, it may also be used as a secondary treatment following surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy, also known as androgen suppression therapy, is another common treatment approach for prostate cancer. It aims to disrupt the cancer cells’ reliance on male hormones, particularly testosterone, for growth and progression.
There are different methods for hormone therapy. One common approach is the use of medications called luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, which work by suppressing the production of testosterone in the testicles. Another option is anti-androgen medications, which block the receptors that testosterone binds to, preventing its action on cancer cells. In some cases, medications that inhibit the production of testosterone in the adrenal glands may also be used.
Hormone therapy can be a primary treatment for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, aiming to shrink the tumor, slow its growth, and alleviate symptoms. It may also be used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery, to enhance their effectiveness. While hormone therapy can be effective in controlling the cancer, it is not curative, and the cancer may eventually develop resistance to the treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment approach that utilizes drugs to target and destroy cancer cells throughout the body. While it’s not typically used as a first-line treatment for localized prostate cancer, it may be recommended for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer that has spread to other organs.
Healthcare providers typically administer chemotherapy intravenously in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by rest periods to allow the body to recover. It can be used when hormone therapy is no longer effective or in combination with hormone therapy to enhance treatment outcomes. Recent advancements in chemotherapy regimens, including the addition of newer agents and combination therapies, have shown promising results in extending survival and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Finding the Right Treatment Strategy
Finding the right treatment strategy for prostate cancer involves careful consideration of various factors. The stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, along with the patient’s overall health, age, and individual preferences, play a significant role in decision-making.
It’s essential to discuss the benefits and risks, as well as the side effects with your medical team to ensure you’re making an informed choice. You can also lean on other resources, such as support groups and online information to help you through the decision-making process.
