The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland present only in men and responsible for producing seminal fluids. Commonly, 1 in 8 men often develop prostate cancer, but the severity will vary as age and disease progresses. Prostate cancer can develop and spread to other parts of the body. Prostate cancer is defined as the growth and spread of abnormal tumor cells in the prostate gland. Most of the time, men are unaware of this disease and often present as asymptomatic, which paves the way for the spread of cancer in other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer does not show any prominent symptoms in its early stage. However, when the disease progresses and spreads to the prostate gland, the patient may experience some common symptoms,
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in urine and semen
- Bone pain in hips, spine, and pelvis
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Diagnosing Prostate cancer
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test
- Digital rectal exam (DRE)
- Computed tomography scan (CT Scan)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Biopsy
Treatment options for Prostate cancer
1. Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy): This includes the surgical removal of the prostate gland in men who are affected by localized prostate cancer.
2. Radiation Therapy: Radiotherapy involves high-energy rays to kill the cancer cells in the patients. It may be used as the primary treatment or with other approaches.
3. Hormone Therapy: It is used to treat prostate cancer, which is associated with an increase in the hormone (testosterone).
4. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is medications that help to kill the cancer cells in prostate cancer. In advanced prostate cancer, chemotherapy can be combined with other therapies or treatments.
5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy involves medications to stimulate the body’s own immune system. It can be used in combination with chemotherapy or with other cancer treatments.
6. Targeted Therapy: Target therapies are a special type of medicine that specifically focuses on the molecule that is responsible for cancer growth.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Androgens are essential for the production of testosterone, which is vital for the growth and acts like a food for cancerous prostate cells. This kind of hormonal therapy aims to block the action of this androgen. It reduces the action of testosterone and inhibits them thereby eradicating tumor cells.
Certain medications, like Calutide 50mg Tablet consisting of the active ingredient Bicalutamide, can be employed for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. It is prescribed along with Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) analog or surgical removal of testicles.
Efficacy of ADT
It is the gold standard and often the first-line treatment for advanced prostate cancer. It is highly effective that it can keep prostate cancer under control for a prolonged period of time. It shrinks the tumors, slows down the progression rate of prostate cancer, and helps in subsiding the symptoms involved. It increases the overall survival rates of men fighting with prostate cancer. The major advantage of hormonal therapy is reversibility; if the medications used in this therapy are discontinued, your testosterone levels will return to normal. The effectiveness will be enhanced by combining androgen deprivation therapy along with other chemotherapeutic agents and other treatment regimens such as radiation therapy.
Safety of ADT
Androgen deprivation therapy has increased its effectiveness in treating prostate cancer. Still, the safety profile of using ADT is limited and not well established. It carries some of the potential adverse medication reactions that must be monitored during the course of therapy. Some of the side effects include,
- Loss of sex drive or libido
- Night sweats and hot flashes
- Reduced bone density
- Weight gain
- Depression or mood swings
- Decreased concentration and poor memory
- Muscle weakness
Long-term safety issues of ADT may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, risk of developing osteoporosis, and diabetes. It is true that ADT poses a variety of side effects. Still, it is also important to note the benefits the therapy offers in treating prostate cancer, and many of the side effects can be managed and treated alongside.
Conclusion
Despite being most effective in treating prostate cancer, ADT comes along with certain side effects; ensuring the effective management of adverse effects can improve the survival rates and patient-related concerns on hormonal therapy. Individualised patient centred care along with safety monitoring will ensure effective treatment of prostate cancer.
