Goal of Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately, the drugs also harm healthy cells. Right now chemotherapy does not cure prostate cancer. But there are drugs that ease symptoms such as bone pain. Chemotherapy can also help decrease PSA levels and reduce the amount of cancer. Plus it has been shown to make men with prostate cancer live several months longer. It’s often used after hormone treatment fails. Researchers are always looking for new drugs that may work better.

Making the Decision to Have Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Chemotherapy is rarely used for early-stage prostate cancer. But there are clinical trials for such localized cancers. They’re checking to see if chemotherapy will improve the outcomes in men with aggressive, localized cancers. Ask your doctor if you should be in one of these trials. Chemotherapy is a good choice if your cancer has spread away from your prostate and hormone therapy isn’t working.