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ABOUT ADVANCED
PROSTATE CANCER

ABOUT ADVANCED
PROSTATE CANCER

ABOUT ADVANCED

PROSTATE CANCER

ABOUT ADVANCED
PROSTATE CANCER

Getting Your Diagnosis

You probably weren’t prepared to hear those words, “You have advanced prostate cancer,” but you’re not alone. Prostate cancer is very common, and it’s one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in American men.

See below to learn more about the different types of prostate cancer, but as always, talk with your care team if you have questions about your own condition.

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Prostate Cancer Defined

The prostate is

part of the male reproductive system and produces fluid that makes up a part of semen.

Prostate cancer occurs

when abnormal cells within the prostate gland grow out of control. 

Testosterone

plays an integral role in the growth and management of prostate cancer.

There are several types of prostate cancer*:

Illustrated icon showing cancer cells contained within the prostate, representing local or localized prostate cancer.

Local/Localized

Local prostate cancer is a group of cells that grows faster than normal within a man's prostate gland, which sits just below the bladder.

Of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, 70% are diagnosed with localized prostate cancer.
Of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, 13% are diagnosed with regional prostate cancer.

Locally Advanced/Regional

Locally advanced prostate cancer is when the cancer cells have grown through the outer rim of the prostate and into nearby tissue.

Of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, 13% are diagnosed with regional prostate cancer.
Illustrated icon showing cancer cells distributed throughout a human body, representing metastatic and distant prostate cancer.

Metastatic/Distant

Metastatic prostate cancer is when the prostate cancer spreads, or metastasizes, to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, 8% are diagnosed with distant prostate cancer.
Illustrated icon showing cancer cells surrounded by a circular arrow, representing recurrent prostate cancer.

Recurrent

Recurrent prostate cancer is when prostate cancer comes back after it was treated. The cancer can come back in or near the prostate or in another part of the body.

Regional, distant, and recurrent prostate cancer may be considered advanced prostate cancer.

*Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is indicated for

the treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Who Is at Risk?

All men are at risk for prostate cancer, and 

about 1 in 8 men 

will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Of those developing prostate cancer, approximately 21% will be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancerAdvanced prostate cancerA tumor that has spread outside of the prostate to other areas of your body is considered to be advanced prostate cancer. Your doctor will perform tests in order to confirm that you have advanced prostate cancer. Men with advanced prostate cancer may have no symptoms.

Black American men

  • Nearly 2x more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared with White American men
  • The death rate from prostate cancer in Black American men is twice as high as in White American men
  • Black American men should be given information about prostate cancer screening so that they can have discussions with their doctors at an earlier age than other men (45 vs 50 years old)

Age is the most common risk factor, and the older you are, the greater the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Men aged 50 and over

who are at average risk of prostate cancer and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years should:

  • Receive information about the potential benefits and known limitations of testing for early prostate cancer detection
  • Be given the opportunity to make an informed decision about testing

Men with a family history of prostate cancer 

may be at higher risk, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your family’s health history. Men aged 50 and over

The Role of Testosterone and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

TestosteroneA male sex hormone produced primarily by the testicles that is important in male physical and sexual function and development.3  is a key hormoneA chemical substance the body produces to regulate the growth and functioning of certain cells and organs. in men and is part of the normal growth and function of the prostate gland.

In men who have prostate cancer, testosterone can help certain prostate cancer cells multiply. As a result, as long as the body produces testosterone, prostate cancer is likely to continue to grow and possibly spread.

PSA: a key indicator of prostate health

Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

You and your doctor will work together to decide on a treatment plan that works best for you by considering your age, the stage of your disease, any other medical conditions, and your doctor’s recommendation.

Treatment options can include:

  • surgery 
  • radiation 
  • therapy cryotherapy
  • robotic surgery
  • chemotherapy
  • ADT
Of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, 13% are diagnosed with regional prostate cancer.

Hormone therapy and when it’s used:

ADTAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT)Androgen deprivation therapy, also called ADT, uses surgery or medicines to lower the levels of male hormones, called androgens (including testosterone), made in the testicles from fueling the prostate cancer cells’ growth. is a form of hormone therapy that seeks to reduce the level of male hormones (called androgens) in the body, which fuel prostate cancer cells to grow.

A doctor may prescribe hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer:

  • If the cancer has spread too far to be cured by surgery or radiation, or if you can’t have these treatments for some other reason
  • If the cancer remains or comes back after treatment with surgery or radiation therapy
  • Along with radiation therapy as the initial treatment if you are at higher risk of the cancer coming back after treatment (based on a high Gleason scoreGleason scoreThe Gleason Score ranges from 1-5 and describes how much the cancer from a biopsy looks like healthy tissue (lower score) or abnormal tissue (higher score).

    Since prostate tumors are often made up of cancerous cells that have different grades, two grades are assigned for each patient. A primary grade is given to describe the cells that make up the largest area of the tumor and a secondary grade is given to describe the cells of the next largest area.

    For instance, if the Gleason Score is written as 3+4=7, it means most of the tumor is Grade 3 and the next largest section of the tumor is Grade 4, together they make up the total Gleason Score.

    Typical Gleason Scores range from 6-10. The higher the Gleason Score, the more likely that the cancer will grow and spread quickly.     , high PSA level, and/or growth of the cancer outside the prostate)
  • Before radiation, to try and make treatment more effective

Prostate Cancer Defined

The prostate is

part of the male reproductive system and produces fluid that makes up a part of semen.

Prostate cancer occurs

when abnormal cells within the prostate gland grow out of control. 

Testosterone

plays an integral role in the growth and management of prostate cancer.

There are several types of prostate cancer*:

Illustrated icon showing cancer cells contained within the prostate, representing local or localized prostate cancer.

Local/Localized

Local prostate cancer is a group of cells that grows faster than normal within a man's prostate gland, which sits just below the bladder.

Of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, 70% are diagnosed with localized prostate cancer.
Illustrated icon showing cancer cells escaping just outside the prostate, representing locally advanced and regional prostate cancer.

Locally Advanced/Regional

Locally advanced prostate cancer is when the cancer cells have grown through the outer rim of the prostate and into nearby tissue.

Of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, 13% are diagnosed with regional prostate cancer.
Illustrated icon showing cancer cells distributed throughout a human body, representing metastatic and distant prostate cancer.

Metastatic/Distant

Metastatic prostate cancer is when the prostate cancer spreads, or metastasizes, to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, 8% are diagnosed with distant prostate cancer.
Illustrated icon showing cancer cells surrounded by a circular arrow, representing recurrent prostate cancer.

Recurrent

Recurrent prostate cancer is when prostate cancer comes back after it was treated. The cancer can come back in or near the prostate or in another part of the body.

Regional, distant, and recurrent prostate cancer may be considered advanced prostate cancerAdvanced prostate cancer A tumor that has spread outside of the prostate to other areas of your body is considered to be advanced prostate cancer. Your doctor will perform tests in order to confirm that you have advanced prostate cancer. Men with advanced prostate cancer may have no symptoms..

*Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is indicated for
 the treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer.

*Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Who Is at Risk?

All men are at risk for prostate cancer, and

about 1 in 8 men

will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Of those developing prostate cancer, approximately 21% will be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancerAdvanced prostate cancerA tumor that has spread outside of the prostate to other areas of your body is considered to be advanced prostate cancer. Your doctor will perform tests in order to confirm that you have advanced prostate cancer. Men with advanced prostate cancer may have no symptoms..

Black American men

  • Nearly 2x more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared with White American men
  • The death rate from prostate cancer in Black American men is twice as high as in White American men
  • Black American men should be given information about prostate cancer screening so that they can have discussions with their doctors at an earlier age than other men (45 vs 50 years old)

Age is the most common risk factor, and the older you are, the greater the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Men aged 50 and over

who are at average risk of prostate cancer and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years should:

  • Receive information about the potential benefits and known limitations of testing for early prostate cancer detection
  • Be given the opportunity to make an informed decision about testing

Men with a family history of prostate cancer 

may be at higher risk, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your family’s health history.

All men are at risk for prostate cancer, and 

about 1 in 8 men 

will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Of those developing prostate cancer, approximately 21% will be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancerAdvanced prostate cancerA tumor that has spread outside of the prostate to other areas of your body is considered to be advanced prostate cancer. Your doctor will perform tests in order to confirm that you have advanced prostate cancer. Men with advanced prostate cancer may have no symptoms..

Age is the most common risk factor, and the older you are, the greater the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Men aged 50 and over

who are at average risk of prostate cancer and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years should:

  • Receive information about the potential benefits and known limitations of testing for early prostate cancer detection
  • Be given the opportunity to make an informed decision about testing

Black American men

  • Nearly 2x more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared with White American men
  • The death rate from prostate cancer in Black American men is twice as high as in White American men
  • Black American men should be given information about prostate cancer screening so that they can have discussions with their doctors at an earlier age than other men (45 vs 50 years old)

Men with a family history of prostate cancer 

may be at higher risk, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your family’s health history. Men aged 50 and over

The Role of Testosterone and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

TestosteroneTestosteroneA male sex hormone produced primarily by the testicles that is important in male physical and sexual function and development. is a key hormoneHormoneA chemical substance the body produces to regulate the growth and functioning of certain cells and organs. in men and is part of the normal growth and function of the prostate gland.

In men who have prostate cancer, testosterone can help certain prostate cancer cells multiply. As a result, as long as the body produces testosterone, prostate cancer is likely to continue to grow and possibly spread.

PSA: a key indicator of prostate health

Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

You and your doctor will work together to decide on a treatment plan that works best for you by considering your age, the stage of your disease, any other medical conditions, and your doctor’s recommendation.

Treatment options can include:

  • surgery 
  • radiation therapy
  • cryotherapy
  • robotic surgery
  • chemotherapy
  • ADT
Illustrated icon of a checklist, representing treatment options.

Hormone therapy and when it’s used:

ADTAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT)Androgen deprivation therapy, also called ADT, uses surgery or medicines to lower the levels of male hormones, called androgens (including testosterone), made in the testicles from fueling the prostate cancer cells’ growth. is a form of hormone therapy that seeks to reduce the level of male hormones (called androgens) in the body, which fuel prostate cancer cells to grow.

A doctor may prescribe hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer:

  • If the cancer has spread too far to be cured by surgery or radiation, or if you can’t have these treatments for some other reason
  • If the cancer remains or comes back after treatment with surgery or radiation therapy
  • Along with radiation therapy as the initial treatment if you are at higher risk of the cancer coming back after treatment (based on a high Gleason scoreGleason scoreThe Gleason Score ranges from 1-5 and describes how much the cancer from a biopsy looks like healthy tissue (lower score) or abnormal tissue (higher score).

    Since prostate tumors are often made up of cancerous cells that have different grades, two grades are assigned for each patient. A primary grade is given to describe the cells that make up the largest area of the tumor and a secondary grade is given to describe the cells of the next largest area.

    For instance, if the Gleason Score is written as 3+4=7, it means most of the tumor is Grade 3 and the next largest section of the tumor is Grade 4, together they make up the total Gleason Score.

    Typical Gleason Scores range from 6-10. The higher the Gleason Score, the more likely that the cancer will grow and spread quickly.     , high PSA level, and/or growth of the cancer outside the prostate)
  • Before radiation, to try and make treatment more effective

Hormone therapy and when it’s used:

ADTAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT)Androgen deprivation therapy, also called ADT, uses surgery or medicines to lower the levels of male hormones, called androgens (including testosterone), made in the testicles from fueling the prostate cancer cells’ growth. is a form of hormone therapy that seeks to reduce the level of male hormones (called androgens) in the body, which fuel prostate cancer cells to grow.

Illustrated icon of a molecule chain consisting of several hexagons connected to each other, representing hormone therapy.

A doctor may prescribe hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer:

  • If the cancer has spread too far to be cured by surgery or radiation, or if you can’t have these treatments for some other reason
  • If the cancer remains or comes back after treatment with surgery or radiation therapy
  • Along with radiation therapy as the initial treatment if you are at higher risk of the cancer coming back after treatment (based on a high Gleason scoreGleason scoreThe Gleason Score ranges from 1-5 and describes how much the cancer from a biopsy looks like healthy tissue (lower score) or abnormal tissue (higher score).

    Since prostate tumors are often made up of cancerous cells that have different grades, two grades are assigned for each patient. A primary grade is given to describe the cells that make up the largest area of the tumor and a secondary grade is given to describe the cells of the next largest area.

    For instance, if the Gleason Score is written as 3+4=7, it means most of the tumor is Grade 3 and the next largest section of the tumor is Grade 4, together they make up the total Gleason Score.

    Typical Gleason Scores range from 6-10. The higher the Gleason Score, the more likely that the cancer will grow and spread quickly.     , high PSA level, and/or growth of the cancer outside the prostate)
  • Before radiation, to try and make treatment more effective