Prostate cancer occurs when cells from the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system, develop genetic mutations and begin growing abnormally. In the case of Stage IV prostate cancer, the cancer has spread to other organs, such as the bladder and lymph nodes. Spread to the bones is also very common and can be very painful. Because Stage IV cancer involves metastases at many different organs, surgery will normally not be an effective treatment.
Radiation
One of the mainstays of treating Stage IV prostate cancer is radiation therapy. This therapy works by directing concentrated beams of radiation at the prostate and other organs with metastases. This radiation works to damage cells that are dividing. Because a high percentage of cancer cells are dividing, this treatment will preferentially attack the cancerous cells.
Hormonal Treatment
Because the cells of the prostate are cells that respond to hormones, Stage IV prostate cancer can be treated with hormonal therapy. Hormonal therapy works by the localized injection of hormones that the body uses to stop prostate growth. As a result, the tumor cells slow their growth and replication.
Bisphosphonate drugs
One of the most common areas for Stage IV prostate cancer to spread is the bones, so treatment often will involve treatment for bone metastases. One such treatment is bisphosphonate drugs, which work to help prevent the bone loss that is commonly caused by Stage IV prostate cancer.
Intravenous Radiation
Another way to treat Stage IV prostate cancer is the use of internal radiation treatment. With this kind of treatment, radioactive molecules are injected into the veins where they will circulate and damage cancer cells. This type of treatment is especially useful for treating metastases that have spread far away from the prostate, especially bone metastases.
Chemotherapy
The use of chemotherapeutic agents is a new field for prostate cancer. Chemotherapy works by poisoning cells that are rapidly growing, such as cancer cells. Some chemotherapy drugs, including Taxotere, estramustine and paclitaxel, are thought to help treat people with stage IV prostate cancer.
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