How to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer at 66?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 66-year-old brother was diagnosed with castration-resistant prostate cancer two years ago after initially responding to hormone therapy. He is currently being evaluated for advanced possibilities like radiopharmaceuticals or systemic treatments like chemotherapy. We are concerned about his capacity to tolerate these medicines, given his age and other medical issues, such as diabetes and hypertension. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments for someone in his condition? During the difficult period, are there any complementary therapies or supportive care methods that can help him feel more energized and better overall?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Your brother has castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which means his cancer is no longer responding to standard hormone therapies that reduce testosterone. As a result, he’s being considered for PSMA-targeted therapy. PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen)-targeted therapy is a specialized treatment that targets a protein called PSMA found on the surface of prostate cancer cells. This therapy can be effective in treating prostate cancer, especially when it has spread or is resistant to other treatments. However, like any treatment, it can come with side effects.

Common ones include dry mouth, dry eyes, and fatigue.

Alongside the primary treatment, supportive care is important to help manage the overall health and well-being of your brother. Supportive treatments might include:

Pain-relieving medications to manage any discomfort from the cancer or treatment side effects.
Bone-strengthening agents, such as prostate cancer, can spread to the bones, and strengthening these bones can reduce the risk of fractures and improve quality of life.
Antioxidants, calcium, and multivitamins support overall health and ensure he is getting the nutrients his body needs, especially since cancer treatments can deplete these.
Physiotherapy under specialist guidance to maintain his mobility and physical strength, which can reduce physical discomfort and help him manage the side effects of treatment, such as fatigue and muscle weakness.

This comprehensive approach is designed to treat the cancer effectively while addressing side effects and improving his overall quality of life during treatment.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.