Advanced prostate cancer cannot usually be cured. However, many treatments can:

control the cancer
slow its growth
reduce symptoms
improve or maintain quality of life
help you live longer

Treatment is often given in stages over time. Your care team may adjust treatment depending on how the cancer responds.

Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy)

Prostate cancer cells usually depend on testosterone to grow.

Hormone therapy - also called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) - lowers testosterone levels or blocks its effect. This is usually the first treatment for metastatic prostate cancer.

Visit this page to learn more about hormone therapy for prostate cancer.

Newer hormone-targeting medicines

In addition to standard ADT, you may be offered newer hormone-targeting medicines. These work by blocking the androgen receptor pathway more completely. They are known as ARPI’s - Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors.

They are usually used together with ADT to improve survival.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be offered:

at the start of treatment in selected patients
or later, if the cancer progresses despite hormone therapy

It works by killing rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Follow this link to learn more about chemotherapy for prostate cancer.

Targeted treatments

Some men with advanced prostate cancer may benefit from targeted treatments. These are medicines designed to work in a very specific way against certain types of cancer cells.

For example, PARP inhibitors are medicines that may be used if the cancer has certain gene changes. These drugs work by preventing the cancer cells from repairing themselves, which can slow or stop their growth.

Your doctor may suggest a blood test or a test on your tumour tissue to see whether your cancer has these changes and whether this type of treatment could be suitable for you.

Follow this link to know more about targeted treatments for prostate cancer.

Radiopharmaceutical treatments

Radiopharmaceuticals are medicines that deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, particularly in the bones.

They may help control bone metastases and reduce symptoms.

Visit this page to learn more about radiopharmaceutical treatments for prostate cancer.

Treatment for symptoms and supportive care

Supportive and palliative care are important parts of treatment at this stage.

These treatments focus on:

relieving pain
strengthening bones
preventing fractures
managing fatigue and other symptoms
supporting emotional wellbeing

Palliative care does not mean stopping cancer treatment. It can be provided alongside active treatment at any stage of advanced disease.

Visit this page to learn more about supportive and palliative care for prostate cancer.

Ongoing care and monitoring

Advanced prostate cancer is usually managed as a long-term condition.

Your care team will:

monitor PSA levels
assess symptoms
perform scans when needed
adjust treatment if the cancer changes

Many men live for several years with metastatic prostate cancer, especially with modern combination treatments.

Making decisions about treatment

There are often several possible treatment sequences.

Your doctor will discuss:

the expected benefits of treatment
possible side effects
how treatment may affect your quality of life
your personal priorities

Together, you can decide on a plan that best fits your situation.

Traitements possibles