Prostate cancer

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BPH	Male reproductive anatomy	Male urinary tract	Prostate cancer
Prostatectomy - series	PSA blood test	TURP - series

Other medications used for hormonal therapy include androgen-blocking agents (such as flutamide) which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. Possible side effects include erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual desire, liver problems, diarrhea, and enlarged breasts.

Chemotherapy is often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. An oncology specialist will usually recommend a single drug or a combination of drugs. Chemotherapy medications that may be used to treat prostate cancer include:

• Mitoxantrone
• Prednisone
• Paclitaxel
• Docetaxel
• Estramustine
• Adriamycin

After the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Side effects depend on the drug given and how often and how long you take it. Some of the side effects for the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for prostate cancer include:

• Blood clots
• Bruising
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Fluid retention
• Hair loss
• Lowering of your white cells, red cells or platelets
• Mouth sores
• Nausea
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Upset stomach
• Weight gain

MONITORING

You will be closely watched to make sure the cancer does not spread. This involves routine doctor's check ups. Monitoring will include:

• Serial PSA blood test (usually every 3 months to 1 year)
• Bone scan or CT scan to check for spreading of the cancers
• Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for signs and symptoms of anemia
• Monitoring for other signs and symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, increased pain, decreased bowel and bladder function, and weakness

The stress of illness may be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See support group - prostate cancer.

The outcome varies greatly, primarily because the disease is found in older men who may have a variety of other complicating diseases or conditions, such as cardiac or respiratory disease, or disabilities that immobilize or greatly decrease activities.