Advanced Prostate Cancer- cure?

What is meant by advanced prostrate cancer?

Prostate cancer is defined as 'advanced' when it spreads outside the prostate gland. It may spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, bones, or other parts of the body. It is also called metastatic prostate cancer.

Can it be cured?

Currently, no cure exists for advanced prostate cancer. Men can benefit, however, in several ways. Some  treatments slow the growth of the cancer. Others reduce symptoms caused by the disease. Till recently, no therapy was offered to prolong life. Now a chemotherapy drug Taxotere, when taken with the steroid prednisone, has been proven to extend survival by several months. Taxotere is approved only for men with cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy (called hormone refractory prostate cancer).

In addition, Provenge, a "vaccine" for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, does appear to extend survival -- by months for most patients, by years for some. Provenge isn't your everyday vaccine. It's an immune therapy created by harvesting immune cells from a patient, genetically engineering them to fight prostate cancer, and then infusing them back into the patient. It's approved only for treatment of patients with few or no symptoms who have prostate cancer that has spread outside the prostate and no longer responds to hormone therapy.

The side effects of the treatment.

Most doctors use hormone therapy to control the spread of advanced prostate cancer, common side effects  caused by hormone therapy include reduced sex drive, impotence, infertility, and osteoporosis (weakened bones). Erectile dysfunction and infertility occur in most men who undergo hormone therapy. The risk and extent of bone loss depends largely on how long a man receives hormone therapy. Mostly, doctors recommend ways to combat these side effects.

When people do not respond to hormone therapy, doctors may try a chemotherapy drug called Taxotere. Possible side effects of Taxotere include nausea, hair loss, and bone marrow suppression (the decline or halt of blood cell formation). Patients may also develop fluid retention and pain, tingling, or numbness in the fingers or toes.

Though new, thus far Provenge has been remarkably safe. However, clinical trials suggested the treatment might be linked to a slightly increased risk of  stroke. Almost all patients suffer some mild to moderate side effects such as chills, fatigue, fever, back pain,  joint ache, nausea and headache.

It's important for everyone with advanced prostate cancer to discuss their concerns with their doctor before beginning treatment.

Difficultly urinating if the cancer has enlarged lymph nodes, causing them to block the flow of urine.

Weakness from anemia if the prostate cancer is disrupting the production of red blood cells in bone marrow.

Pain, especially when the cancer has spread to the bones.

Fractures if bones are severely weakened.

Men who notice early symptoms such as difficulty urinating may have more treatment options than those who notice symptoms only after cancer has spread to the bones.

What can be done to counter bone loss?

Drugs called biphosphonates (Actonel, Zometa, and others) can help make bones stronger and prevent fractures. Doctors sometimes perform surgery to support affected bones. Plus, radiation therapy directed at the bone can reduce pain caused by bone metastases.