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Prostate cancers tend to grow slowly and have a fairly good outlook compared to many types of cancer. From 2010 to 2016, the 5-year survival rate in the United States was
Chemotherapy is a drug therapy that’s sometimes used to treat prostate cancer. It’s most commonly used to treat aggressive tumors or advanced prostate cancer that hasn’t responded well to other treatments.
In this article, we break down when your doctor may recommend chemotherapy for prostate cancer and what you can expect while taking chemotherapy drugs.
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that involves taking drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells. Chemicals in these drugs can kill cancer cells and healthy cells in your body that quickly divide such as bone marrow and hair cells.
According to the
Most men receiving chemotherapy for advanced prostate cancer will also receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or anti-hormone therapy.
Chemotherapy may also be used to treat castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). CRPC is a type of prostate cancer that stops responding to hormone therapy. Prostate cancer needs male sex hormones to grow, and hormone therapy aims to lower male sex hormones to slow tumor growth.
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Taxanes
Docetaxel falls into a group of drugs called taxanes. These drugs block cellular processes cancer cells need to divide.
Docetaxel is often combined with the steroid prednisone. A 2016 research review showed that prednisone may help:
- manage potential side effects
- reduce cancer symptoms
- improve overall quality of life
If docetaxel treatment doesn’t work best for your health needs, doctors often recommend trying cabazitaxel. Cabazitaxel falls into the same class of drugs as docetaxel.
Androgen receptor and biosynthesis inhibitors
The following treatments are newer treatment options that often work when
- enzalutamide
- abiraterone
- apalutamide
However, there are no studies available yet directly comparing these drugs, and it’s not clear which is most effective.
Enzalutamide and apalutamide are in a class of drugs called androgen receptor inhibitors. They block male sex hormones from binding to receptors on your prostate.
Abiraterone is in a class of drugs called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. They work by blocking the production of testosterone.
Other chemotherapy drugs
Other chemotherapy drugs that may be used to treat prostate cancer include:
- mitoxantrone
- doxorubicin
- vinblastine
- paclitaxel
- estramustine
Chemotherapy drugs are typically administered intravenously (through an IV) by a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment. The medications can be administered at a:
- doctor’s office
- chemotherapy clinic
- hospital
Drugs are administered in cycles to help give your body time to recover. Cycles are often 2 to 3 weeks long, and each session takes roughly an hour, according to the
The schedule of your cycle depends on which drugs are being used. You may only be given chemotherapy drugs on the first day of your treatment or for several days in a row.
The total length of your treatment depends on how well the chemotherapy is working and your side effects.
Some types of chemotherapy drugs like enzalutamide can be given as oral pills.
Chemotherapy can cause your red and white blood cell counts to drop, so you’ll likely have a blood test before each of your sessions.
If you have a very low white blood cell count, your doctor may recommend lowering the dose or stopping treatment.
Chemicals in chemotherapy drugs kill cells that divide quickly, but they can’t differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells in your body.
Many of chemotherapy’s side effects are due to drugs targeting healthy cells that divide rapidly such as cells in your:
- bone marrow
- mouth
- intestines
- hair follicles
Some common side effects of chemotherapy include:
- diarrhea
- easy bruising and bleeding
- fatigue
- fluid retention
- frequent infections
- hair loss
- loss of appetite
- mood changes
- mouth sores
- nausea
- difficulty focusing and concentrating
- vomiting
- risk of developing osteoporosis or bone loss
Severity of symptoms can vary between people. Many of the side effects of chemotherapy go away shortly after treatment.
Docetaxel and cabazitaxel can cause neuropathy, or nerve dysfunction, that leads to the following feelings in your hands or feet:
- numbness
- burning
- tingling
A 2014 research review showed that about
According to the
It’s important to discuss prostate cancer treatment options with your doctor. They can help you understand the pros and cons of chemotherapy and answer any specific questions you have about your treatment.
An oncologist, a doctor specializing in cancer, can help you develop strategies to lower your chances of developing side effects.
An oncologist can also put you in touch with support groups in your area. Many people find it helpful to talk with other people who have gone through the same treatment.
Support group resources
You can find online support groups or support groups in your area from these websites:
- Cancer Care. You’ll find 15-week online support groups for people with prostate cancer.
- Imerman Angels. Access 1-to-1 support with a mentor.
- Male Care. You’ll access online support groups for men with prostate cancer and their partners or caregivers.
- Prostate Cancer Research Institute. It’s a support group directory sortable by state.
- Us TOO. There are more than 200 prostate cancer support groups across the United States and in other countries.
Chemotherapy is most commonly used to treat prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate. Chemicals in chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells and other cells in your body that rapidly divide such as cells in your hair follicles and digestive system.
Your doctor can help you determine if you may benefit from chemotherapy. You may also find it helpful to join a support group that connects you with other people who have undergone the same treatment in the past.