Advances in treatment options for prostate cancer, one of the most prevalent malignancies in men, have dramatically improved the prognosis of those affected. Among these new practices, the rising use of oral therapies stands out owing to their effectiveness and ease of use.
In this article, we explore how prostate cancer is treated with oral therapy, its advantages, and factors that need to be considered with patients on this treatment approach.
Understanding Oral Therapy in Prostate Cancer
This form of treatment is rooted in the underlying mechanisms of the condition being targeted. For prostate cancer, it employs the use of prescribed medicines in the form of tablets that aid in controlling the proliferation of the cancerous tissues. As with most cancers, prostate cancer has to be managed with comprehensive treatment which involves killing & disabling the prostate cancer cells infiltrating the body, the way hormones and antibodies replace surgery and radiation.
Prostate cancer can be treated with a wide range of medicines including:
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Hormonal Treatment: This type of oral therapy seeks to reduce the levels of testosterone circulating in the body as prostate cancer is stimulated by the hormone.
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Targeted Therapy: These agents seek out and destroy prostate cancer cells containing specific defects in their DNA that were altered.
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Chemotherapy Pills: This is a form of treatment that encapsulates all types of oral chemotherapy agents which seek to destroy all quickly proliferating cells, including prostate cancer.
Cancerous cells require constant energy signals which normally are provided by testosterone to survive. Therefore, the intention of treatment is to impede the activity of testosterone receptors and signals within the prostate cancers, like is done with Abiraterone acetate and Enzalutamide.
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Targeting Mutations: Patients with prostate cancer who have genetic alterations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can be treated with Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor.
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Combating Advanced Stages: In metastatic or advanced stage prostate cancer, oral chemotherapy is routinely combined with other forms of treatment for better results.
Oral therapies work well for patients who have advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, especially after cancer has metastasized beyond the prostate.
Benefits of Oral Therapy in Prostate Cancer
Here are the key benefits of oral therapy in prostate cancer treatment:
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Convenience: Patients suffering from prostate cancer who have to go for intravenous treatment regularly can have oral therapies instead, enabling them to skip these trips and take the medication from the comfort of their homes.
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Effective in Advanced Cases: Oral medication has proven its efficacy for advanced stage prostate cancer and prostate cancer of metastatic origin where the aim is to prolong means of survivorship and quality of life.
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Targeted Action: A few oral therapies have been created with the intent of targeting specific mechanisms present within cancer cells responsible for causing cancer, ensuring lesser side effects as a result of treatment.
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Improved Quality of Life: Patients have openly expressed that oral therapies are less intrusive to their everyday lives and therefore can cope better with their personal life, professional life along with the treatment.
Possible Difficulties with Oral Therapy
Patients and healthcare providers have to deal with certain challenges even though oral therapy has some benefits:
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Adherence to medication: Patients need to take these oral medications at the correct time and dosage if they are to have any effect. Failure to do this will worsen the treatment outcome.
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Side Effects: This is another problem that can manifest itself as fatigue, nausea, hot flushes, or even a rise in temperature. This problem underlines the need for supportive care and closer monitoring.
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Cost: Most of these oral therapies, that are directed at the specific treatments, are quite expensive. This requires discussions with the healthcare providers about insurance and financing.
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Not suitable for all patients: Each patient suffering from prostate cancer may respond differently to these oral therapies. This is determined by cancer's progression, a patient's health status, and genetics.
Therapy Patient Selection Criteria
Oral therapies are not for everyone. Before having this treatment, the patient must first undergo screening to determine the following:
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Stage of cancer: Most prostate cancer that is more advanced or has grown to other parts of the body tends to use oral therapy.
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Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: Cancer of the prostate that is sensitive to hormones does really well with hormone oral therapies.
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Genetic testing: Targeted therapy works in cancer patients with particular gene mutations like BRCA mutation.
Effectiveness of Oral Medicine in Dealing with Prostate Cancer
Various studies and clinical trials have, to a great extent, proven that oral therapies can help do the following:
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Survive Longer: Several oral agents have been shown to increase survival figures among patients suffering from advanced prostate cancer.
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Lower Cancer Relapse: Hormonal treatments decrease the possibility of cancer coming back after it has been treated.
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Postpone Disease Advancement: Oral forms of medications halt the expansion of cancer, which in turn ameliorates the overall quality of life for the patient.
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Aid Other Therapies: Oral medications are frequently used together with other treatment modalities, such as surgery, radiation, or intravenous chemotherapy, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
For example, Abiraterone acetate in conjunction with the steroid prednisone has been shown to increase survival rates for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Likewise, Enzalutamide use has been endorsed in both metastatic and nonmetastatic prostate cancer with remarkable results.
Guidelines for Patients Receiving Oral Therapy
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Adhere to the Dosage: Accept prescribed medicine intake and consumption to the letter for the best outcome.
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Watch out for negative effects: Inform the clinician in charge of your case for proper handling.
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Regular Supervision: Blood tests as well as scans should be done on a routine basis to follow the treatment and identify any possible issues.
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Practice Good Health: An adequate diet, workout, and stress relief tend to better treatment outcomes.
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Stay Informed: A thorough grasp of your treatment plan saves you from having to look for information since you are always knowledgeable about the state of your care and lets you make decisions that are too informed.
The Future of Oral Therapy in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Medical research on prostate cancer oral therapy is budding. Novel medications and multi-drug regimens continue to emerge that increase the survival rate while decreasing the negative effects. Genetic screening and customized treatments have made therapy more efficacious and focused.
Closing Thoughts: Get Expert Cancer Care Here
Oral therapy marks a new epoch in the comprehensive treatment of advanced prostate cancer and gives prostate cancer patients a much more effective treatment that is also vastly more convenient than other options. Prostate cancer management through hormonal therapies, oral targeted therapies, or oral chemotherapy has fundamentally changed the paradigm of advanced prostate cancer where patients with metastatic disease can now lead much longer and healthier lives.
Dr. Pooja Babbar is a leading medical oncologist who guides patients looking for second opinions and better treatment options. Dr. Babbar comes with more than 10 years of experience treating prostate cancer and works with a unique blend of clinical skills and compassionate care. She specializes in complex and emerging treatments such as oral therapies, ensuring the best outcomes for every patient.
Schedule a consultation now to take the first step toward a healthier future.
