Today, there are about 1.41 million cases of prostate cancer around the world. Whether you have prostate cancer or are wondering if you do, there are different forms including mCRPC.
What is mCRPC and what are the symptoms? This article will provide an overview of this specific type of cancer. Read on to learn more about this cancer and learn what your options are for treatment today.
What Is Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer?
This is a form of advanced prostate cancer in the prostate gland. This form of cancer doesn’t respond to hormone treatment that lowers testosterone.
At this stage, it can spread to other parts of the body, so it’s best to find prostate cancer early, and learn more about provenge treatment. It’s important to keep in mind that at this point there are treatment options as well.
Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the size of the tumors and where they’re located. Some signs can include bone pain, trouble urinating, shortness of breath, more tired or weak, or weight loss.
The Importance of Imaging
Through imaging, your doctor can determine whether or not your cancer has metastasized. This means that it can spread to the soft tissue, lymph nodes, and bones.
The different types of imaging include bone scans, Positron emission tomography, Magnetic resonance imaging, and X-rays. Another option is a PET scan, and when using an injection it can enhance the images.
Treatment Options
Enzalutamide and abiraterone provide inhibition for the treatment of mCRPC. Chemotherapy is treatment for those who won’t respond to this option. Your oncologist will take into account your patient-specific considerations.
If you have bone metastases, they’re often treated with Radium-223. Radiation might be used to reduce pain as well.
Genetic Testing
Cancer comes from the genetic mutation in cells. They’re often the genes that are involved in the repair of damaged DNA. These mutations can also be hereditary as well.
Many of these mutations that are found in prostate cancer are mostly in the late-stage cancer stages. When taking a look at these mutations, one can determine whether or not these treatments will be effective. A couple of treatment options include rucaparib and olaparib.
One study finds that men who have deficiencies in one of their 13 genes related to DNA damage repair have a higher response rate, and an overall survival rate when using the PARP inhibitor olaparib. This is compared to anti-androgen treatment.
Berzosertib is showing promising results as well for those with mutations. It’s being tested with a combination of chemotherapy.
An Overview of mCRPC
After exploring this guide on mCRPC, you should have a better idea of what to expect. Take your time talking with your doctor and seeing what treatment options are right for you.
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