Prostate cancer, which affects the gland responsible for producing seminal fluid, is exceedingly common among men. In many cases, prostate cancer develops slowly and responds favourably to treatment, especially when caught early. Along with surgery and radiation therapy, this cancer can also be treated using different types of medication.
Chemotherapy targets cancerous cells and stops them from multiplying at a rapid pace. These medications can be provided intravenously, but patients may also receive them orally in the form of pills. Chemotherapy drugs are typically used when prostate cancer has spread to other areas.
Cancer cells can have certain abnormal features. With targeted drug therapy, medications attack abnormal cell components and cause them to die off. Targeted drug therapies are often recommended when other treatments are not as effective. Additionally, patients may need to undergo genetic testing to determine whether they are a good candidate for targeted drug therapy.
Testosterone is crucial to the development of prostate cancer. Accordingly, hormone therapy can control the production of testosterone to prevent cancerous growths from becoming larger and potentially spreading. Some drugs stop a person from producing testosterone, while others prevent the hormone from coming in contact with cancer cells.
The treatment of prostate cancer can depend on whether the cancer has metastasized (meaning that it has spread to other areas) and how aggressive it is. Some people require no treatment, as doctors may choose to monitor the condition instead. With more serious bouts of prostate cancer, a person may require surgery, radiation therapy, or medication. In many cases, one or more treatments are used for the best possible prognosis.