Prostate Cancer Medications
There are several different types of medications that can be used to treat prostate cancer. The most common type of medication is hormone therapy, which works by lowering the levels of testosterone in the body. This can slow the growth of prostate cancer cells and shrink tumors. Other common medications include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Hormone therapy
For some men with prostate cancer, hormone therapy is an effective treatment option. Hormone therapy can be used to lower the levels of testosterone in the body, which can slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. There are a few different types of hormone therapy that may be used to treat prostate cancer, and your doctor will work with you to determine the best option for you based on your individual situation.
Hormone therapy is a treatment option for prostate cancer that can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. There are several drugs used in hormone therapy to treat prostate cancer, and the decision of which drug to use depends on the individual patient’s situation.
The most common drugs used in hormone therapy for prostate cancer are GnRH agonists, antiandrogens, and estrogens. The choice of which drug to use in hormone therapy for prostate cancer is a decision that should be made by the patient and their doctor.
- GnRH agonists – GnRH agonists are drugs that block the production of testosterone. Testosterone stimulates the growth of prostate cancer cells. By lowering the level of testosterone, GnRH agonists can help to control the growth of prostate cancer. GnRH agonists are usually given as injections. They are typically used for men who have advanced prostate cancer that has not responded to other treatments. GnRH agonists can cause side effects such as hot flashes, fatigue, and bone loss.
- Antiandrogens – Although antiandrogens have been used to treat prostate cancer for many years, the use of androgen receptor (AR) antagonists or agonists has become more common in recent years. Prostate cancer is an androgen-dependent disease, meaning that the hormone testosterone can fuel its growth. Antiandrogens work by blocking the effects of testosterone on cancer cells, slowing tumor growth.
There are two main types of antiandrogens: AR antagonists and AR agonists. AR antagonists, such as flutamide and bicalutamide, bind to the AR but do not activate it. This prevents testosterone from binding to the AR and stimulating cancer cell growth. AR agonists, such as leuprorelin and goserelin, bind to the AR and activate it.
- Estrogens – Estrogens are a type of hormone therapy that can be used to treat prostate cancer. Estrogens work by lowering testosterone levels, which can help to shrink tumors and slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. Estrogens are typically given as a pill, injection, or implant.
Hormone therapy is typically well-tolerated by most men, but there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. These can include hot flashes, decreased sex drive, and difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. If you experience any of these side effects, be sure to talk to your doctor so that they can help you manage them. Overall, hormone therapy can be an effective treatment option for men with prostate cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, and it is usually treated with surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may be an option for men with prostate cancer who are not candidates for surgery or radiation therapy, or for those who have recurrence of the disease after treatment.
The most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat prostate cancer are Taxotere (docetaxel), Jevtana (cabazitaxel), and Provenge (sipuleucel-T). Taxotere and Jevtana are both taxanes, which work by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to divide. Provenge is an immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system attack the cancer cells.
Chemotherapy for prostate cancer is typically given in cycles, with each cycle consisting of a period of treatment followed by a rest period. The side effects of chemotherapy can vary depending on the drugs used, but may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and decreased blood cell counts.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It can be used to treat prostate cancer. The three types of radiation therapy used to treat prostate cancer are external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and stereotactic body radiation therapy.
External beam radiation therapy
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is a treatment that uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. EBRT can be used to treat prostate cancer that has not spread outside the prostate gland, or to relieve symptoms caused by advanced prostate cancer.
EBRT is usually given as a series of treatments, 5 days a week for several weeks. The number of treatments depends on the type and stage of prostate cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
Side effects from EBRT are usually mild and temporary. They may include urinary problems, bowel problems, and sexual side effects. Most side effects go away after treatment ends.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy uses radioactive seeds that are put directly into the prostate. The seeds give off radiation that kills the cancer cells. Brachytherapy can be used to treat both early and advanced prostate cancer. It is usually combined with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a type of radiation therapy that uses high doses of radiation to target cancer cells. SBRT is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis.
SBRT is an effective treatment for prostate cancer. In a study of 100 patients with prostate cancer, SBRT was found to be effective in reducing the size of the tumor and improving symptoms. SBRT is a safe and tolerable treatment option with few side effects.
If you are considering SBRT for your prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about whether it is the right treatment option for you.
Radiation therapy can be used as the only treatment for prostate cancer, or it can be used in combination with other treatments such as surgery or hormone therapy.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions. It’s also been shown to be effective in treating prostate cancer.
A study published in the journal Nature Medicine found that zinc is able to kill prostate cancer cells without harming healthy cells. The study’s lead author, Dr. Raghu Kalluri, said that zinc ” selectively kills cancer cells and leaves normal cells unharmed.” Dr. Kalluri and his team believe that zinc could be used as a treatment for other types of cancers as well. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
If you are considering using home remedies to treat prostate cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. Some home remedies can interact with medications used to treat prostate cancer, so it’s important to make sure they are safe for you.
Men who have not been treated for their prostate cancer have a lower survival rate. The 5-year survival rate for men with untreated prostate cancer is about 28%. The 10-year survival rate is about 11%. For men with metastatic prostate cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body), the 5-year survival rate is about 29%. The key to surviving prostate cancer is early detection and treatment. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.