Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic

Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina

Urologists located in Wilmington, NC & Southport, NC

Our Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic is overseen by Dr. Peter Zeman. In our clinic we provide patients with a unique opportunity to receive the most advanced and individualized prostate cancer treatment. We utilize advanced diagnostic and laboratory testing to determine the best treatment approaches for our patients. Some of these include PET CT scans, MRIs and genetic testing. We utilize up to date medication regimens, immunotherapy and radiation therapy as some of our treatment approaches. Furthermore, we are able to dispense and deliver medications and treatments directly through our office. We strive to help our patients receive a personalized experience with care and compassion.

 

WHAT IS ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER?

Advanced prostate cancer is often defined when your cancer has spread outside of the prostate. This can be microscopic or it could be detected by imaging studies.

WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS IF MY PROSTATE CANCER RECURRED AFTER PRIMARY TREATMENT (I.E. SURGERY OR RADIATION)?

There are 2 types of recurrences. 1. Biochemical recurrence occurs when the PSA rises after treatment without any radiographic detection of cancer. 2. Radiographic identification of cancer on CT, Bone scan, or specialized prostate cancer scans. Treatment for prostate cancer recurrence will depend on the type of recurrence and location.

WHAT IS HORMONE TREATMENT?

Prostate cancer thrives on testosterone which is naturally produced by your body. As a result, manipulation of your testosterone production pathway and its receptors on cells allow your physicians to control the disease and potentially promote regression of the disease. The target goal for hormone therapy is to lower your testosterone level to <50ng/dL.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HORMONE TREATMENT?

Most common side effects are: Hot flashes, fatigue, decreased libido, anemia, and bone weakness.

WHAT IS HORMONE SENSITIVE PROSTATE CANCER?

Hormone sensitive prostate cancer means the prostate cancer cells responds to hormone deprivation treatments and the cells will stop growing and potentially regress while on hormone therapy.

WHAT IS CASTRATE RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER OR HORMONE RESISTANT PROSTATE CANCER?

Castrate resistant prostate cancer is defined as progression of prostate cancer while on sufficient hormone therapy.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE AVAILABLE ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Currently there are multiple medications that can be taken orally to treat advanced prostate cancer. These advanced oral medications include but are not limited to: Zytiga, Xtandi, Erleada, Nubeqa, Lynparza, and Rubraca. Additional therapies include immunotherapy agent (Provenge), radiotherapy agent (Xofgio), chemotherapy agents (Taxotere, Jevtana), and bone health agents (Xgeva, Prolia, Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, and Zometa).

WHY DO I NEED TO TALK TO MY PHYSICIAN ABOUT BONE HEALTH?

During long-term hormone therapy treatment with deprivation of testosterone, your body will lose bone density and mass. As a result, it will over time increase your risk of fracture from a fall.