Advanced prostate cancer: Hormone therapy and pain relief

Prostate problems are among the most common health issues men face, often appearing with age as enlargement, inflammation, or cancer. Approximately 12.8% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with 3.4 million men in the U.S. currently living with the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute.

"Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health, 3rd Edition: Answers to Questions About Prostate Enlargement, Inflammation and Cancer" is a comprehensive guide to preventing, understanding, treating and living with prostate disease written by Derek Lomas, M.D., a Mayo Clinic urologist, and Paras Shah, M.D., a Mayo Clinic urologic oncologist. The book explores the latest research, advanced imaging technologies, and innovative medical treatments that enable earlier diagnoses and more personalized care for prostate conditions.

Advances in Treating Advanced Prostate Cancer

Advanced prostate cancer, also called metastatic or stage 4 prostate cancer, is cancer that has spread beyond the prostate to distant parts of the body. Two key areas highlighted in the book include:

• Hormone Therapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer:
  Hormone or androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is the cornerstone of treatment. By shutting off male sex hormones like testosterone, which fuel cancer growth, ADT weakens cancer cells and slows their spread.

Read the complete excerpt on hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer.

• Managing Pain from Advanced Prostate Cancer:
  While early-stage prostate cancer is typically painless, advanced cases can cause severe pain, especially as cancer spreads to the pelvic bones or spine. Treatment options include hormone therapy, which may also alleviate pain, and other pain-relief strategies tailored to individual needs.

Read the complete excerpt on treating local and general pain from advanced prostate cancer.

This essential resource for prostate health empowers men to make informed decisions about prevention, treatment, and managing the challenges of living with prostate disease.

Learn more about prostate cancer and find a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic.

Join the Prostate Cancer Support Group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online community moderated by Mayo Clinic for patients and caregivers.

Original article published in Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center blog