Bone metastasis
When prostate cancer spreads to bones and other organs, doctors look under a microscope. It is still treated with therapy for prostate cancer. A man whose prostate cancer spreads to the bone, this does not mean he has bone cancer.
However, he has prostate cancer spread to the organs of the bone by traveling through the blood, bones, and grows. The most commonly affected bones are the spine, hips, and ribs. Once prostate cancer spreads to the bone, this can be a painful process.
It is important that you make a treatment plan, take a strategy to maintain good bone health. There are several treatments available to strengthen bones, prevent metastasis, and manage to prevent pain.
Treatment of Prostate Cancer Spread To Bone And side Effects
Some people diagnosed with prostate cancer will have the spread of their cancer (metastasis) to other parts of the body. Bone is where the spread of cancer cells.
Two classes of drugs used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to the bones are: Bisphosphonates and Denosumab
Everyone is different in responding to bone metastasis treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to expect, including side effects.
Here is a common drug used to treat bone metastases from prostate cancer
1. Alendronate
What is Alendronate? This type of drug is the same as bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss). It works by increasing bone density to reduce damage.
How is this drug given? Alendronate is given orally as a tablet.
Aledronate side effects
Everyone responds differently to treatment for bone metastases - some experience many side effects, while others experience less.
Here are some of the side effects experienced by people receiving treatment.
- Stomach ache
- bloated
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Pain in the bones / joints
2. Denosumab
Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat osteoporosis in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
This drug works by stopping bone cells (osteoclasts) from damage to bone structure. Denosumab is given by subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
Denosumab Side effects
Here are some of the side effects experienced by people who receive denosumab.
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Rash
- Skin changes
- Weakness
3. Pamidronate Dinatrium
Pamidronate Disodium class with bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis (bone loss).
It works by reducing bone damage. Disodium Pamidronate is given intravenously (IV).
Pamidronate Dinatrium Side effects
Here are some of the side effects experienced by people who receive disodium pamidronate.
- Stomach ache
- bone pain
- trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Losing appetite
- Nauseous vomit
- Weakness
4. Zoledronic acid
Zoledronic acid is a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates used to treat bone metastases resulting from prostate cancer.
Zoledronic Acid prevents or slows the rate of bone changes (including splitting) provided by intravenous injection.
Zoledronic acid Side effects
Here are some of the side effects experienced by people who received zoledronic acid.
- Bone / joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Losing appetite
- Nauseous vomit
- Weight loss
Everyone responds differently to treatment for bone metastases - some experience many side effects while others experience less.
Tell your health care team about the side effects if you experience so they know how best to help you manage the unpleasant effects.
Reference : http://www.prostatecancer.ca/Prostate-Cancer/Treatment/ Drugs-to-Treat-Prostate-Cancer/Drugs-to-Treat-Bone-Metastases/ Denosumab
