Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Recurrent prostate cancer is a return of cancer that was thought to be cured or inactive (in remission). The prostate gland is a small walnut-shaped organ that lies just below a man's bladder.
Prostate cancer may return in or around the prostate. Or it may return in another part of the body, such as the bones.
If recurrent prostate cancer returns in or around the prostate, it can be diagnosed through a series of tests. These tests include a digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy.
Recurrent prostate cancer may be treated with radiation therapy, prostatectomy, or hormone therapy. Additional treatment will depend on previous treatment, location of the cancer, and other health problems the man may have. In some cases, taking part in a clinical trial of a new treatment may be an option.
How is recurrent prostate cancer treated?
Treatment for recurrent prostate cancer is based on several things, including whether you are having symptoms, where the cancer has come back, and what treatment you had before. Treatments may include:
- Hormone therapy.
- This uses medicine or surgery to lower androgen levels. It can slow the growth of prostate cancer and shrink the tumors. It's often used to treat PSA persistence or recurrence.
- Radiation therapy.
- This uses high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- Immunotherapy.
- This treatment helps your immune system fight cancer.
- Targeted therapy.
- These medicines target cancer cells and may cause less harm to normal cells. They help keep cancer from growing or spreading.
- Chemotherapy.
- These medicines kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells and some normal cells.
If you had radiation therapy before, surgery, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), or cryosurgery may be options.
Your doctor will talk with you about your options and then make a treatment plan.
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