• UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
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  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
  • UPNT clinics will open at a delayed time at 10 AM on 11/11-23 Secondary to the ice storm. we will continue to update on the website as conditions may change.
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Advanced Prostate Cancer: Comprehensive Treatment and Support at UPNT

A diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer can feel overwhelming. Understanding your options and having the right care team by your side can make a significant difference.
Prostate Cancer Care
At Urology Partners of North Texas (UPNT), we provide expert care and personalized treatment plans for patients with advanced prostate cancer. Our radiation oncologists specialize in the latest technologies, working closely with medical oncologists to ensure seamless, collaborative care.
In addition, we offer access to clinical trials and advanced diagnostic tools, giving patients more options for effective treatments. This guide will walk you through what advanced prostate cancer is, how it’s diagnosed, and the treatment options available at UPNT.
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What is Advanced Prostate Cancer?

Advanced prostate cancer is prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. This can include nearby tissues (known as locally advanced prostate cancer) or more distant parts of the body, such as the bones, lymph nodes, or other organs (metastatic prostate cancer).

Types of Advanced Prostate Cancer

  • Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: The cancer has grown outside the prostate but remains in nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
  • Metastatic Prostate Cancer: The cancer has spread to distant areas like bones, liver, or lungs, making it more challenging to treat.
Advanced Prostate Cancer

How is Advanced Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing advanced prostate cancer involves a combination of blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes biopsies to determine how far the cancer has spread. One of the most exciting advancements in recent years is the PSMA PET scan, a powerful imaging tool that offers greater accuracy than traditional CT scans or bone scans.

What is a PSMA PET Scan?

PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) PET imaging is a highly sensitive scan that detects prostate cancer cells throughout the body. It uses a small amount of a radioactive tracer that binds specifically to PSMA, a protein found on prostate cancer cells. This allows for highly accurate imaging of cancer spread.

How it works:

  • The radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream.
  • Cancer cells with high levels of PSMA absorb the tracer.
  • A PET scan detects these areas, creating detailed images that help pinpoint cancer spread.

Why We Recommend PSMA PET Imaging

  • More Accurate Detection: PSMA scans can reveal cancer that other imaging tests might miss.
  • Earlier Detection of Metastases: Identifies cancer in lymph nodes, bones, and organs sooner.
  • Better Treatment Planning: Provides detailed information that helps tailor more effective treatments.
At UPNT, we work closely with partners to offer patients access to the most advanced imaging technologies, including PSMA PET scans, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and well-informed treatment decisions.
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Current Treatment Strategies for Advanced Prostate Cancer

Treatment for advanced prostate cancer has evolved significantly in recent years. Today, combination therapies are recommended to slow disease progression and improve survival.

1. Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy - ADT)

Hormone therapy is the backbone of treatment for advanced prostate cancer. It works by lowering testosterone, the hormone that fuels prostate cancer growth.

Options for hormone therapy include both injectable and oral medications:
  • LHRH Agonists: (e.g., Leuprolide or Goserelin): These reduce testosterone production over time but can cause an initial surge (flare) before levels drop.
  • LHRH Antagonists: (e.g., Degarelix): Block testosterone production without the initial surge, offering quicker suppression.
  • Oral ADT (e.g., Relugolix): A newer oral option that offers several advantages over injectable therapies.
Benefits of Oral ADT (Relugolix):
  • Convenience: Taken as a once-daily pill rather than requiring injections.
  • Faster Testosterone Suppression: Achieves testosterone reduction more quickly compared to injectables.
  • Reduced Cardiovascular Risk: Studies show it may be safer for patients with pre-existing heart conditions compared to traditional injectables.

2. Combining ADT with Androgen Receptor Inhibitors (ARIs)

Recent studies show that combining ADT with an androgen receptor inhibitor (ARI) improves outcomes and delays disease progression. This combination therapy is recommended early for patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, even before the cancer becomes resistant to hormone therapy.

Common ARI Combinations:
  • ADT + Enzalutamide (Xtandi): Reduces androgen signaling at the cellular level.
  • ADT + Apalutamide (Erleada): Helps prevent the spread of cancer in patients with high-risk non-metastatic disease.
  • ADT + Abiraterone (Zytiga) + Prednisone: Blocks androgen production from sources other than the testicles, such as the adrenal glands. Often used in metastatic prostate cancer.

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy plays a key role in managing advanced prostate cancer, especially for locally advanced disease or to relieve pain from bone metastases.

UPNT’s radiation oncologists use advanced techniques such as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), which delivers highly precise doses of radiation with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

4. Chemotherapy (When Needed)

Chemotherapy is recommended for cancers that are no longer responding to hormone therapy. UPNT works closely with medical oncologists to coordinate chemotherapy care.
Common Chemotherapy Drugs:
  • Docetaxel (Taxotere): Used early in metastatic cases for better survival outcomes.
  • Cabazitaxel (Jevtana): An option for patients whose cancer no longer responds to initial treatments.
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5. Clinical Trials and Emerging Therapies

UPNT is proud to offer access to clinical trials, giving patients the opportunity to receive promising new treatments before they become widely available. Clinical trials may include immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, or targeted therapies for patients with specific genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA mutations).

Participating in a clinical trial can provide cutting-edge care while helping to advance future treatments.

Managing Side Effects and Quality of Life

At UPNT, we focus on treating the whole person, not just the disease. Managing side effects and maintaining quality of life are integral parts of our care approach.

Common Side Effects of Treatment

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Hot flashes and hormonal changes
  • Bone thinning (osteoporosis)
  • Changes in sexual function

Support Strategies

  • Stay Active: Gentle exercise can help combat fatigue and maintain bone health.
  • Nutrition and Bone Health: A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports overall health.
  • Emotional Support: Counseling and support groups are available to help you navigate the emotional challenges of living with cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why combine ADT with androgen receptor inhibitors?
Combining ADT with ARIs improves survival and delays disease progression compared to ADT alone.
Radiation can help control localized cancer and reduce pain from bone metastases.
While a complete cure is rare, many treatments can control the disease for years and improve quality of life.
New therapies include advanced hormone therapies, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy through clinical trials.

Conclusion: Trust UPNT for Advanced Prostate Cancer Care

At UPNT, we combine expertise in radiation oncology with a collaborative approach, working closely with leading medical oncologists to deliver the best care possible. Our commitment to personalized treatment plans, access to clinical trials, and innovative therapies ensures that patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care available.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, contact UPNT today to learn how we can help you navigate your journey.
Dr. Matthew Schwenke will no longer be practicing interventional radiology at IR Centers at Urology Partners of North Texas. To ensure that your medical care continues seamlessly, your ongoing care will be transitioned to another physician within our practice. You may schedule appointments directly by contacting our office at 682-888-0886 or via the link on the website. Your medical records will remain securely within the practice, so there is no additional step required on your part unless you wish to request a transfer elsewhere.
Dr. Matthew Schwenke will no longer be practicing interventional radiology at IR Centers at Urology Partners of North Texas.
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