What are the symptoms that prostate cancer has spread to the bones?

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.

medicalnewstoday.com - Prostate cancer bone metastases: Treatment and survival rate

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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 cancer can 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 because it started in the prostate. When treating bone metastases, doctors aim to minimize any further spread 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, the side effects of treatment, and survival rates. Symptoms Share on Pinterest nattrass/Getty Images Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. Once the disease has spread beyond the prostate, doctors refer to it as advanced prostate cancer. Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include: difficulty urinating or a reduced 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 result from conditions other than cancer, anyone who experiences them should consult a doctor. 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 the substance building up in the blood. This condition is known as hypercalcemia. Without treatment, hypercalcemia can be very dangerous and cause the following symptoms: 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 speak with 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. The person will receive these treatments alongside the treatment for the primary tumor, such as hormone therapy and chemotherapy. They will not have to give up curative treatment to receive bone pain relief. Treatment options for bone metastasis include the below. Bisphosphonates Bisphosphonates are drugs that work by reducing bone loss. 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 individuals with prostate cancer. They usually administer this drug by intravenous injection into the veins every 3 to 4 weeks . Denosumab Denosumab, which has the brand names Xgeva and Prolia, is another drug that reduces bone loss. It can help lower the risk of fractures, especially if zoledronic acid is not working, and slow down the spread of cancer that has not yet reached the bones. Doctors inject the denosumab under the person’s skin every 4 weeks. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy uses a machine to aim an external radiation beam at the cancer cells in a person’s body. This treatment can: reduce bone pain

shrink tumors on the spine to relieve pressure

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shrink tumors in other areas of the body to alleviate symptoms Radiopharmaceuticals Doctors can also inject medications called radiopharmaceuticals to treat people with bone metastases. Once inside the body, these drugs move to the bones and release radiation that can kill cancer cells. Radiopharmaceuticals treat all the affected bones at the same time rather than just targeting one area. Radiopharmaceuticals that doctors use for prostate cancer that has spread to bones include: strontium-89 chloride (Metastron)

samarium-153 lexidronam (Quadramet)

radium-223 (Xofigo) All of these drugs can help relieve bone pain. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) , if prostate cancer has only spread to the bones and not to other organs, radium-223 can also help people live longer. Side effects of treatment Treatment for bone metastasis can cause side effects in some people: Bisphosphonates and denosumab Bisphosphonates and denosumab can cause similar side effects, including: flu-like symptoms

bone or joint pain

diarrhea

nausea

fatigue People taking bisphosphonates or denosumab may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent their calcium levels from becoming too low. Bisphosphonates can also cause kidney problems, so doctors may not recommend these drugs for people with reduced kidney function. Rarely, taking bisphosphonates or denosumab can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). This is a serious condition where the bone tissue in the jaw dies due to the blood supply being cut off. It can lead to: pain and swelling in the mouth

tooth loss

gum infections Before taking bisphosphonates or denosumab, it is essential to make a doctor aware of any dental issues. Doctors often advise people to speak with a dentist to address any dental issues before starting these medications. Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing correctly and flossing daily, may help prevent ONJ. Radiation therapy External radiation therapy can cause some side effects, including: Bowel problems: These issues include diarrhea, bloody stools, and rectal leakage. Some people may need to follow a special diet to help reduce these side effects. These issues include diarrhea, bloody stools, and rectal leakage. Some people may need to follow a special diet to help reduce these side effects. Fatigue: This may continue for a time after treatment stops. This may continue for a time after treatment stops. Lymphedema: This can cause fluid to build up in certain parts of the body, such as the legs and groin. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and swelling. This can cause fluid to build up in certain parts of the body, such as the legs and groin. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and swelling. Erectile dysfunction: Doctors can prescribe medications to help with erection problems. Doctors can prescribe medications to help with erection problems. Urination difficulties: Include pain while urinating, accidental leakage, and loss of control. Many treatments are available for urination problems, including catheters, medications, exercises, and surgery. Radiopharmaceuticals Radiopharmaceutical treatment can lead to a decrease in blood cells. A low blood cell count can increase a person’s risk of infection and bleeding. People taking radiopharmaceuticals should consult their doctor about the symptoms that may indicate a low blood cell count and the precautions they can take to prevent this. Managing pain Pain medication can be very effective in relieving the pain of prostate cancer and bone metastases. A person should talk with a doctor about any pain they are experiencing. The doctor can prescribe appropriate pain relief and work with the individual to develop a pain control plan. Different types of pain relievers are available for ongoing pain and periodic breakthrough pain. Taking these medications alone or in combination can help manage pain effectively. Doctors can also offer advice and treatment for any other symptoms or side effects that a person may have.

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Survival rates and outlook There is currently no cure for advanced prostate cancer, but advances in treatments are extending life expectancy and improving quality of life. The ACS states that the 5-year relative survival rate for individuals with prostate cancer that has spread to distant lymph nodes, organs, or the bones is 31% . Therefore, people with this stage of prostate cancer are about 31% as likely as those without the condition to live for at least 5 years after diagnosis. However, survival rates are only estimates, and everyone is different. The following factors are among those that can affect a person’s outlook: age

general health

symptoms

how cancer responds to treatment

how far cancer has spread Ongoing cancer research is also facilitating the development of more effective treatments and leading to improved survival rates. Frequently asked questions Here are some answers to questions people often ask about prostate cancer moving to the bones. What is the life expectancy when prostate cancer moves to the bones? When prostate cancer moves to the bones, doctors call this advanced or distant prostate cancer. For people with advanced prostate cancer, there is a 31% chance of surviving another 5 years or longer after their diagnosis compared with those without the disease. What happens when prostate cancer moves to the bones? In over 60% of people with advanced prostate cancer, cancer will spread to the bones. This happens as cancer cells spread throughout the body and most commonly affects the hips, spine, and ribs. Symptoms include pain and a higher likelihood of fractures. Is there any treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to the bones? Various drugs can help manage symptoms or slow the progression of prostate cancer in the bones. They include bisphosphonate injections, corticosteroids, radiation therapy, and surgery.

medicalnewstoday.com - Prostate cancer bone metastases: Treatment and survival rate

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