Advanced Prostate Cancer

According to some estimates, more than 40,000 American men die of prostate cancer each year. This typically results from complications during treatment. In turn, many of these complications arise from the spread of the cancer outside of the prostate. This spread of cancer outside of the originating area is called metastasis. In the case of prostate cancer, when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, it becomes known as advanced prostate cancer.

Advanced prostate cancer is more likely in older patients around the age of 75. Both the age and the extent to which the cancer has spread are key factors in determining a course of action. More aggressive treatments are usually sought for patients who have a longer life expectancy. This is mainly due to the length of time it may take to properly treat the cancer with endocrine therapies. Such therapies are considered kinder and gentler and are preferred.

Advanced prostate cancer was once considered inoperable and incurable. However, recent research indicates that the numbers of survivors have been increasing over the last 15 years. Some results indicate that removing this advanced cancer, instead of resorting to radiation therapy, may actually increase the chances of living longer. In fact, advanced cancers are not necessarily responsive to radiation therapy.

Further, undergoing surgery to remove advanced prostate cancer had risks similar to those procedures removing less dangerous forms of the cancer. However, one must keep in mind, that should the cancer spread to the lymph nodes, surgery alone may not be the answer. A treatment consisting of both surgery and radiation therapy may be required.