What are bone metastases in prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer can sometimes spread from the prostate to the bones, which is known as bone metastasis. Although there is no cure for bone metastases, treatment can help relieve symptoms and extend life.

Metastasis is the term for cancer spreading to other parts of the body. Although prostate cancercan spread to any part of the body, it most commonly goes to the bones.

Even when cancer has spread from the prostate to the bones, doctors still refer to it as prostate cancer rather than bone cancer.

When treating bone metastases, doctors aim to minimize any further spreading of cancer and relieve pain and other symptoms.

In this article, we discuss the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer and bone metastases. We also cover treatment options for bone metastases, side effects of treatment, and survival rates.

Symptoms

Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. Once cancer has spread beyond the prostate, doctors refer to it as advanced prostate cancer.

Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include:

·         difficulty urinating or a weak or slow urine stream

·         the need to urinate more frequently, usually at night

·         blood in the urine or semen

·         erectile dysfunction

·         weakness or a numb feeling in the legs or feet

·         loss of control of bladder or bowel

Although many of these symptoms can occur due to conditions other than prostate cancer, anyone who experiences them should see a doctor for an evaluation.

Once prostate cancer has spread to the bones, symptoms can include:

·         bone pain

·         weak bones that are more likely to fracture

·         pain or stiffness in the neck or back

·         trouble urinating

·         constipation

·         numbness and weakness from spinal cord compression

Bone metastasis can cause bones to release their calcium into the bloodstream, resulting in high levels of calcium building up in the blood. This condition is known as hypercalcemia. Untreated hypercalcemia can be very dangerous, and symptoms may include:

·         nausea

·         constipation

·         appetite loss

·         feeling very thirsty

·         urinating more frequently

·         fatigue and weakness

·         headaches

·         bone pain

·         confusion

·         depression, memory loss, and irritability

People who experience any of these symptoms should see a doctor immediately. Treating bone metastases early on can help prevent further complications.

Treatment

Treatment for bone metastasis can help relieve pain and prevent complications. A doctor will work with the individual to develop a suitable treatment plan.

Treatments options include:

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are drugs that work by reducing bone loss, and they can help:

·         strengthen bones

·         relieve bone pain

·         reduce high calcium levels in the blood

·         lower the risk of fractures

·         slow cancer growth in the bones

Bisphosphonates can also reduce the side effects of hormone therapy, which some people may receive to treat their prostate cancer.

Zoledronic acid (Zometa) is the bisphosphonate that doctors most commonly prescribe for people with prostate cancer. They usually administer this drug by intravenous injection every 3 to 4 weeks.

Source: Medical News Today