Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, with a range of treatment options available depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease. Recent advancements in hormone therapy and combination treatments have improved outcomes for patients, offering new hope for those diagnosed with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
Traditional Treatment Approaches
Standard treatments for prostate cancer vary based on the severity of the disease and the patient’s overall health. Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Active surveillance – Recommended for low-risk cases, this involves regular monitoring through PSA tests, biopsies, and imaging rather than immediate treatment.
- Surgery – A radical prostatectomy, or removal of the prostate gland, is often performed for localized prostate cancer.
- Radiation therapy – Includes external beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation) to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy – Also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), it reduces male hormone levels that fuel prostate cancer growth.
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy – Used for more advanced stages when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.
The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the cancer’s stage, patient preference, and potential side effects.
Advancements in Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy remains a key treatment for advanced prostate cancer, and recent developments have led to the introduction of more effective medications.
One significant advancement is Orgovyx (relugolix), the first oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Unlike traditional injectable hormone therapies, Orgovyx is taken once daily as a pill, offering convenience for patients. Clinical studies have shown that Orgovyx effectively lowers testosterone levels, a crucial factor in controlling prostate cancer growth. It also has a lower risk of cardiovascular side effects compared to injectable hormone therapies.
Combination Therapies for Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC)
For patients diagnosed with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), combination therapies have proven to be more effective than ADT alone.
A major advancement in this area is Nubeqa (darolutamide), an androgen receptor inhibitor that has been studied in combination with ADT and docetaxel chemotherapy. The ARASENS clinical trial demonstrated that this combination significantly reduced the risk of death by nearly one-third compared to ADT and docetaxel alone. Additionally, this combination therapy delayed disease progression and reduced the likelihood of developing castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), where the disease becomes resistant to traditional hormone therapy.
Considerations and Side Effects
While these newer treatments provide better survival outcomes, they also come with potential side effects that should be considered:
- Hormone therapy side effects – May include hot flashes, fatigue, decreased bone density, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Chemotherapy side effects – Can cause nausea, hair loss, weakened immune function, and increased susceptibility to infections.
- Androgen receptor inhibitors – May lead to side effects such as fatigue, high blood pressure, and changes in liver function.
Patients should discuss treatment options with their healthcare providers to determine the best approach based on their individual health status and preferences.
Advancing Prostate Cancer Treatment for Better Outcomes
The treatment landscape for prostate cancer continues to evolve, with new therapies offering better disease management and improved survival rates. Medications like Orgovyx and Nubeqa represent significant advancements in hormone therapy and combination treatment strategies, providing more options for patients with advanced and metastatic prostate cancer. As research progresses, these therapies contribute to longer survival and better quality of life for those facing this challenging disease.
