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Treating Advanced Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when a tumor develops in the prostate gland, which makes the liquid portion of semen. Cancer that spreads outside the prostate gland to the lymph nodes, bones, or other areas is called metastatic prostate cancer. Currently, no treatments can cure advanced prostate cancer. But doctors do have ways to help control its spread and related symptoms.
Treatments that slow the spread of advanced prostate cancer and relieve symptoms, however, often cause Some patients, often those who are older, decide that the risk of side effects outweighs the benefits of treatment. These patients may choose not to treat their advanced prostate cancer.
It's important to remember that researchers are always searching for new and better treatments that will cause fewer side effects, better disease control, and longer survival rates.
Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Until recently, hormone therapy was the only treatment approved for advanced prostate cancer. Now, patients who no longer respond to hormone therapy have another option. In 2004, the FDA approved the chemotherapy drug Taxotere, taken with prednisone (a steroid), for the treatment of patients who no longer respond to hormone therapy. Taxotere works by preventing cancer cells from dividing and growing. Patients receive Taxotere, along with prednisone, through an injection. Side effects of Taxotere are similar to most chemotherapy drugs and include nausea, possible hair loss, and bone marrow suppression (the decline or halt of blood cell formation). Patients may also experience neuropathy (nerve damage causing tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers or toes) and fluid retention.
Taxotere, when used with prednisone, is the first chemotherapy drug therapy proven to help some patients with advanced prostate cancer live longer. The average person prolonged life by about 2.5 months but some men gained several years, according to studies. Researchers say it's an important breakthrough in care. "Before, we had no chemotherapy drug shown to improve survival in metastatic prostate cancer. Now we have one. We've got a good starting place," says Nancy Dawson, MD, professor of medicine and director of genito-urinary medical oncology at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center.
Hormonal Therapy and Prostate Cancer
Male hormones such as testosterone fuel the growth of prostate cancer. By reducing the amount and activity of these hormones, doctors can slow the growth of advanced prostate cancer. Hormone therapy is still the main treatment for advanced prostate cancer and is the first treatment usually offered if the cancer has spread.
In many patients, hormone therapy provides temporary relief of symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. It also reduces tumor size and levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in most men. PSA is a substance produced by the prostate gland that, in excess amounts, signals the presence of prostate cancer.
But hormone therapy is not without risks. Some of the more serious side effects include loss of sex drive, impotence, weakened bones (osteoporosis), and heart problems.
Eventually most patients with advanced prostate cancer stop responding to hormone therapy. Doctors call this hormone refractory prostate cancer.
WebMD Medical Reference
Prostate Cancer Guide
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
