Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland in men. It is one of the most common types of cancer in men, with an estimated 233,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States in 2014.

Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and medications. In recent years, there has been a lot of attention paid to the use of medications for prostate cancer, and a recent study has found that these medications can delay the progression of the disease by 52%.

What are Medications for Prostate Cancer?

Medications for prostate cancer come in a variety of types. Some medications are used to reduce the level of testosterone in the body, which can slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Other medications are used to block the action of androgens, which are male hormones that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. Still others are used to slow the growth of cancer cells directly.

How Medications for Prostate Cancer Delay the Progression of the Disease?

Medications for prostate cancer can delay the progression of the disease in a number of ways. One way is by reducing the level of testosterone in the body.

Testosterone is the male hormone that fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells, so by reducing the level of testosterone, the medications can slow the growth of these cells and delay the progression of the disease.

Another way that medications for prostate cancer can delay the progression of the disease is by blocking the action of androgens.

Androgens are male hormones that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells, so by blocking their action, the medications can slow the growth of these cells and delay the progression of the disease.

Finally, some medications for prostate cancer can slow the growth of cancer cells directly. These medications work by targeting specific pathways or proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.

By blocking these pathways or proteins, the medications can slow the growth of cancer cells and delay the progression of the disease.

Results of the Study

A recent study has found that medications for prostate cancer can delay the progression of the disease by 52%. The study followed over 2,000 men with advanced prostate cancer who were treated with a combination of hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

The men were randomly assigned to receive either the chemotherapy drug docetaxel or a placebo, and then followed for an average of 22 months.

The results of the study showed that men who received the chemotherapy drug had a 52% lower risk of disease progression compared to those who received the placebo.

In addition, the men who received the chemotherapy drug had a longer time to disease progression and a longer overall survival compared to those who received the placebo.

Side Effects of Medications for Prostate Cancer

Like all medications, medications for prostate cancer can cause side effects. The specific side effects depend on the type of medication that is being used. Some of the common side effects of medications for prostate cancer include:.

Fatigue
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Weight gain
Hot flashes
Impotence
Depression
Memory problems

It is important to discuss the potential side effects of medications for prostate cancer with your doctor, as there may be ways to manage or minimize these side effects.

Conclusion

The use of medications for prostate cancer has become an important part of the treatment approach for the disease. A recent study has found that these medications can delay the progression of the disease by 52%.

While these medications can cause side effects, they can be managed, and the potential benefits of delaying the progression of the disease are significant. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about whether medications may be a part of your treatment plan.