Page Content
If the prostate cancer is found to have metastasized outside the prostate, it is called metastatic prostate cancer. The most common sites of metastasis in prostate cancer patients are the bones (in 80–90% of patients with advanced cancer) and the lymph nodes (in 40–50% of patients with advanced cancer). Metastases to the internal organs, such as the liver or lungs, are clearly less common (in 10–20% of patients).
A urologist and oncologist are jointly in charge of the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer in the HUS district. A urologist is usually in charge of the patient’s treatment in the early stage of the disease. If traditional hormone therapy loses its effectiveness, if chemotherapy is already required in the early stage of metastatic cancer due to the extent of the disease, or if the alleviation of symptoms requires radiotherapy, the responsibility is usually transferred to an oncologist at the HUCH Department of Oncology.
The treatment of metastatic prostate cancer aims to effectively slow down the disease and, hence, maintain as good a quality of life as possible and prolong life expectancy. Today, there are a number of treatment options available with different mechanisms of action. Treatment decisions are made at an appointment with the treating physician together with the patient.