Prostate cancer is a dangerous disease that affects many men, particularly those over the age of 50.

While early-stage prostate cancer can often be treated with surgery or radiation therapy, metastatic prostate cancer is a much more aggressive form of the disease that can spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, lymph nodes, and other organs.

Metastatic prostate cancer is often treated with hormone therapy, which can slow the growth of the cancer cells. However, it is difficult to cure metastatic prostate cancer, and many men ultimately die from the disease.

Recently, a new treatment has been developed that has been shown to increase the survival rate for men with metastatic prostate cancer.

What is Metastatic Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the prostate, which is a small gland located between the bladder and the penis in men. The prostate produces a fluid that is mixed with sperm to form semen.

As men age, the prostate can become enlarged or develop cancerous cells.

Metastatic prostate cancer occurs when the cancer cells spread from the prostate to other parts of the body.

This usually occurs when the cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and begin to grow in other organs, such as the bones or lungs. Metastatic prostate cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition that can be difficult to treat.

Traditional Treatments for Metastatic Prostate Cancer

The traditional treatments for metastatic prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

Surgery may be used to remove the prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues, but this is usually only effective in the early stages of the disease.

For men with metastatic prostate cancer, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor and relieve symptoms.

However, radiation therapy is often only effective for a limited time and may cause side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and skin irritation.

Hormone therapy is often the primary treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. This treatment works by blocking the production of testosterone, which fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells.

While hormone therapy can be effective, it is not a cure and can cause side effects, such as hot flashes, weight gain, and loss of libido.

What is the New Treatment for Metastatic Prostate Cancer?

The new treatment for metastatic prostate cancer is called radium-223 dichloride, or Xofigo. This treatment was developed by the pharmaceutical company Bayer and was approved by the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.

Xofigo is a radioactive drug that is injected into the bloodstream. The drug travels to the bones and emits alpha particles, which destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.

This targeted approach ensures that the treatment is effective while minimizing side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

Xofigo has been shown to increase the survival rate for men with metastatic prostate cancer. In a clinical trial, men who received Xofigo lived an average of 14.9 months, compared to 11.3 months for men who received a placebo.

The treatment also improved quality of life and reduced the need for pain medication.

Who is a Candidate for Xofigo?

Xofigo is typically recommended for men with metastatic prostate cancer that has spread to the bones.

The treatment is not appropriate for men with prostate cancer that has not metastasized or for men with metastatic prostate cancer that has spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs.

Xofigo may also be recommended for men who have not responded to hormone therapy or for men who are not candidates for chemotherapy due to other health concerns.

The treatment is usually given once a month for six months and can be used in combination with other treatments, such as hormone therapy.

Conclusion

Metastatic prostate cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition that can be difficult to treat.

While traditional treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, can be effective, they are often not a cure and can cause side effects.

The new treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, Xofigo, offers hope for men with metastatic prostate cancer. The treatment has been shown to increase the survival rate and improve quality of life, while minimizing side effects.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, it is important to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.