I have stage 3 prostate cancer. What is the best treatment?

Question

Hello doctor,

I'm a 55-year-old construction supervisor with a family history of prostate cancer, as both my father and brother had it and passed away a few years ago. I have been diagnosed with stage III prostate cancer after experiencing painful urination, blood in my urine, and back pain. My doctor has recommended radiation therapy and hormone treatment (ADT).

Is this the best treatment approach, or are there alternatives?
What side effects should I expect from hormone therapy, and how might they affect my daily life and work?
Will my cancer respond well to this treatment, and what long-term monitoring or additional therapies might I need?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

A combination of radiation therapy and hormone treatment is considered a standard and practical approach for treating prostate cancer at this stage.

Radiation therapy works by targeting and destroying cancer cells in the prostate. Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), reduces or blocks the body's production of androgens, such as testosterone, which fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Common side effects of hormone therapy may include:

Hot flashes.
Fatigue.
Decreased sex drive.
Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection).
Mood swings.
Bone thinning (osteoporosis) may increase the risk of fractures.

For most cases of stage III prostate cancer (which refers to cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland but has not yet reached distant parts of the body), the combination of radiation and hormone therapy has shown positive results.

Regular follow-ups are essential, including:

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing every few months.
Bone scans or MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) to check for cancer spread.
A physical examination by an oncologist at the hospital is also necessary.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.