Chemotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body, like the bones. It uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells that travel through the bloodstream. Docetaxel is one of the main drugs used for this type of treatment.

The testicles

The testicles are two small, oval-shaped organs located below the penis, enclosed in a skin pouch called the scrotum.

Image of the testicles (cruk)

Starting from puberty, the testicles begin producing sperm. Inside the testicle, small tubes come together to form the epididymis, a single tube that becomes wider as it exits the testicle. This wider tube is known as the spermatic cord.

The spermatic cord leads to a short passage called the ejaculatory duct, which opens into the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis.

Testosterone:

The testicles produce the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for developing male characteristics such as:

A deeper voice
Facial hair growth
Increased muscle mass
The ability to achieve an erection
Male sexual drive (libido)

Where does testicular cancer start:

The testicles consist of various cell types, and the kind of cancer you have depends on the specific cell where it begins. Most testicular cancers arise from germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm. Doctors classify germ cell cancers into two main types:

Seminoma
Non-seminoma

Testicular cancer and the lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system that spans the entire body. They, along with lymph vessels, contain a yellow fluid known as lymph. This fluid circulates through the lymphatic system, collecting waste products and draining into veins for waste removal. Cancer can spread to lymph nodes, causing them to enlarge. In testicular cancer, it’s common for the disease to spread to lymph nodes located at the back of the abdomen, known as retroperitoneal lymph nodes. These retroperitoneal lymph nodes are situated behind the intestines and in front of the spine. They lie next to the main blood vessels in the abdomen, the aorta, and the inferior vena cava. Image of the lymph nodes with testicles Who gets it: Younger men are more likely to get testicular cancer. Trans women can also develop testicular cancer if they haven’t had an operation to remove their testicles (orchidectomy). Men in their early 30s are the most likely to get it. It then becomes less common as men get older.

Aim of Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer can alleviate symptoms and help manage the disease, enhancing your quality of life. However, it cannot cure metastatic prostate cancer.

What type of chemotherapy will I receive :

The main chemotherapy treatments for metastatic prostate cancer are:

– docetaxel (Taxotere)

– cabazitaxel (Jevtana)

Typically, you will start with docetaxel, often combined with hormone therapy and steroids.

Before you start chemotherapy:

Before starting chemotherapy, you need to have blood tests to ensure it’s safe to proceed. These tests are typically done a few days prior to or on the day you begin treatment. Blood tests are conducted before each cycle of chemotherapy.

Your blood cells need time to recover from the previous treatment before you can receive more chemotherapy. If your blood counts are too low, your doctor may postpone your next treatment and inform you when to retake the blood test.

Doctors and pharmacists determine your chemotherapy dose based on your blood cell levels, weight, height, and overall health.

How you have chemotherapy:

You receive docetaxel and cabazitaxel intravenously, meaning the drugs are delivered directly into your bloodstream through a drip.

Into your bloodstream:

The treatment is administered through a drip into your arm or hand. A nurse inserts a small tube (cannula) into one of your veins and connects it to the drip.

You might require a central line, a long plastic tube that delivers the drugs into a large vein in your chest or arm. This tube remains in place during your treatment, which could last for several months.

When you have it:

Chemotherapy is typically administered in cycles. Each cycle generally spans a 3-week period, meaning you receive a docetaxel or cabazitaxel infusion once every 3 weeks.

Side effects:

Typical side effects of chemotherapy include:

– Nausea

– Reduced appetite

– Weight loss

– Extreme fatigue

– Increased risk of getting an infection

– Easy bruising and bleeding

– Diarrhea or constipation

– Hair loss

Reach out to your doctor or nurse right away if you show signs of infection, such as a fever above 99.5°F or if you feel generally unwell. Infections can rapidly worsen and make you very ill.

Side effects vary based on:

– The specific drugs you receive

– The dosage of each drug

– Your individual response to the treatment

Inform your healthcare team about any side affects you experience.

Confidential Mencan Helpline: 84510 09760

Chemotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer