Chemotherapy for advanced prostate cancer

Chemotherapy is mainly used to treat advanced prostate cancer that is no longer being controlled by hormonal therapy| (hormone-refractory prostate cancer). It is used in this situation to try to shrink and control the cancer and relieve symptoms, with the aim of prolonging a good quality of life. The chemotherapy drugs are usually given by injection into a vein (intravenously).

The most commonly used chemotherapy drug to treat prostate cancer is docetaxel| (Taxotere®). Other drugs that might be used are:

• mitoxantrone
• epiribicin
• estramustine
• paclitaxel (Taxol).

Sometimes steroids| (such as prednisolone) may be given alongside the chemotherapy.

Benefits Chemotherapy can help to control the cancer and relieve symptoms if hormonal therapies are no longer working.

Risks Chemotherapy can cause side effects, such as sickness, fatigue and hair loss.

Side effects of chemotherapy Back to top

Chemotherapy drugs can cause side effects, but these can usually be well controlled with medicines. The doctors will look carefully at the possible advantages and disadvantages of chemotherapy treatment for your situation.

Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others experience more. The main side effects are described below, along with some of the ways they can be reduced.

Our chemotherapy| section discusses the treatment and its side effects. We also have information about individual drugs| and their particular side effects.

Lowered resistance to infection Chemotherapy can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection|. Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if:

• your temperature goes above 38°C (100.4°F)
• you suddenly feel ill (even with a normal temperature)

You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy, to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally your treatment may have to be delayed if your blood count is still low.

Bruising or bleeding Chemotherapy can reduce the production of platelets, which help the blood to clot. Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, and bleeding gums.

Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) You may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired| and breathless|.

Nausea and vomiting Some chemotherapy drugs can make you feel sick or even be sick|. This can be helped by taking anti-sickness drugs (anti-emetics), which your doctor can prescribe.

Sore mouth Some chemotherapy drugs can make your mouth sore| and may cause small ulcers. Regular mouthwashes are important and the nurses will show you how to do these properly

Poor appetite If you don’t feel like eating during treatment, you could try replacing some meals with nutritious drinks or a soft diet.

Hair loss Hair loss| is a common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs. It can be very distressing for some men. However, there are many ways of covering up hair loss, including wigs or hats. If you do lose your hair, it should start to grow back within about 3–6 months of the end of treatment.

Tiredness Chemotherapy affects people in different ways. Some people find they are able to lead a fairly normal life during their treatment, but many find they become very tired and have to take things much more slowly. Just do as much as you feel like and try not to overdo it.

We have detailed information on all the side effects| mentioned in this section.

Although they may be hard to deal with at the time, these side effects will gradually disappear once your treatment is over. Your doctor will tell you what to expect from your treatment.