CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
Jewel Urology Center, Mumbai
Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai
Saifee Hospital, Mumbai
DR. VIVEK VENKAT
Compassionate Evidence-Based Ethical Cancer Care
docvivek@gmail.com
Metastatic prostate cancer refers to cancer that has spread to other organs like bones, lungs, liver or non-regional lymph nodes. It is also referred to as stage 4 disease.
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Symptoms depend on the organ involved.
- Progressive loss of weight and appetite are common.
- Bone pain and anemia from bone involvement are common.
- Weakness or paralysis can occur if the spine is involved and needs urgent treatment.
- Jaundice from liver involvement.
- Cough from lung involvement.
- Local symptoms related to the prostate like decreased urine flow or obstruction of urine, blood in the urine, etc. may be seen.
- Kidney obstruction and renal failure can be seen.
ARE THERE NEW TREATMENTS AVAILABLE?
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Multiple treatments are available presently.
A lot of research is being performed leading to discoveries of new treatments regularly.
- Hormone therapy – The male hormone Testosterone is the fuel for prostate cancer and reducing its level and effect in the body is the cornerstone of treatment. This is done either by surgery (removal of the testicles – orchidectomy) or regular injections. The best approach should be discussed on case-to-case basis.
- Chemotherapy – In combination with hormonal therapy this has been shown to prolong the survival.
- Radiation – This is used for symptomatic treatment especially for bone pain.
- Targeted therapy – these new medicines target specific mutations in cancer cells to reduce their growth.
- Therapeutic radioligands – this new technique involves labeling of PSMA with radioactive molecules to target and destroy the cancer cells.
What are the side-effects of hormone treatment?
Side-effects of hormone treatment include :
- Hot flashes
- Breast pain and enlargement
- Bone loss and risk of fractures
- Muscle loss
- Increased risk of cardiac problems especially those with pre-existing disease
- Cognitive disturbances and neurologic problems
- Fatigue
- Worsening of diabetes
How can you prepare for treatment?
- First your diagnosis and staging will be completed with a biopsy and PSMA PET scan. If you have metastatic disease need to discuss the options with your uro-oncologist.
- The uro-oncologist may ask for further details and tests to assess your cardiac function like lipid profile, ECG, 2D ECHO and a cardiologists assessment.
- Baseline bone strength by a DEXA scan is done to check the risk of fracture.
- Continue your normal exercise and increase walking and weight bearing exercise.
- Healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables with reduced salt, sugar, fats and processed meats is recommended.
- A thorough discussion on various options like chemotherapy, radiation, etc. and their side-effects will allow the doctor and you to choose the optimal treatment in your case.
What is the follow-up involved?
- Follow-up involves examination and assessment of your symptoms usually every 2-3months.
- The PSA level is usually repeated every 2-3 months to assess response.
- Basic blood tests like CBC, kidney and liver function are monitored to check for progression of disease and side-effects of medicines.
- If there are any signs of worsening then the PET scan may need to be repeated.
What is the success rate and survival?
Don’t lose hope - advanced prostate cancer can be controlled for a long time and it is important to keep a positive mindset. With current treatments more than 50% of men will survive for at least 3-5 years after diagnosis.
What are the side-effects of hormone treatment?
Side-effects of hormone treatment include :
- Hot flashes
- Breast pain and enlargement
- Bone loss and risk of fractures
- Muscle loss
- Increased risk of cardiac problems especially those with pre-existing disease
- Cognitive disturbances and neurologic problems
- Fatigue
- Worsening of diabetes
How can you prepare for treatment?
- First your diagnosis and staging will be completed with a biopsy and PSMA PET scan. If you have metastatic disease need to discuss the options with your uro-oncologist.
- The uro-oncologist may ask for further details and tests to assess your cardiac function like lipid profile, ECG, 2D ECHO and a cardiologists assessment.
- Baseline bone strength by a DEXA scan is done to check the risk of fracture.
- Continue your normal exercise and increase walking and weight bearing exercise.
- Healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables with reduced salt, sugar, fats and processed meats is recommended.
- A thorough discussion on various options like chemotherapy, radiation, etc. and their side-effects will allow the doctor and you to choose the optimal treatment in your case.
What is the follow-up involved?
- Follow-up involves examination and assessment of your symptoms usually every 2-3months.
- The PSA level is usually repeated every 2-3 months to assess response.
- Basic blood tests like CBC, kidney and liver function are monitored to check for progression of disease and side-effects of medicines.
- If there are any signs of worsening then the PET scan may need to be repeated.
What is the success rate and survival?
Don’t lose hope - advanced prostate cancer can be controlled for a long time and it is important to keep a positive mindset. With current treatments more than 50% of men will survive for at least 3-5 years after diagnosis.
Jewel Urology Center
No. 89, N. S. Road Number 1,
Navpada, JVPD Scheme,
Andheri West
Mumbai 400049, India
(m):+919136041545
Visiting Hours : Mon-Sat 4.30 - 6 pm
By appointments only
Email: appointments@drvivekvenkat.com
Phone:+919136041545
Whatsapp: +919136041545
Nanavati Max Hospital
S.V road, Vile Parle west
Mumbai 400056, India
Visiting Hours : Mon-Sat 2 - 4.30 pm
Email: appointments@drvivekvenkat.com
Phone:+919136041545
Whatsapp: +919136041545
Saifee Hospital
15/17, Maharshi Karve Rd,
Opposite Charni Road Station East,
Mumbai 400004, India
(m):+919136041545
Visiting Hours : Thursday 11am - 1 pm
By appointments only
Email: appointments@drvivekvenkat.com
Phone:+919136041545
Whatsapp: +919136041545
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Disclaimer: The purpose of this website (www.drvivekvenkat.com) is solely for the purpose of creating awareness and imparting education regarding Uro surgery. This shall not be treated as a substitute to a professional uro surgeon's advice or prescription. Every individual and their case is different, so the results of any of the treatments mentioned on the website may vary. This website contains graphic images of before and after results of procedures, so viewer discretion is advised.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this website (www.drvivekvenkat.com) is solely for the purpose of creating awareness and imparting education regarding Uro surgery. This shall not be treated as a substitute to a professional uro surgeon's advice or prescription. Every individual and their case is different, so the results of any of the treatments mentioned on the website may vary. This website contains graphic images of before and after results of procedures, so viewer discretion is advised.