1. Understanding prostate cancer
1.1. What is the prostate?
1.1.1. A small gland (about the size of a golf ball) located beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.
1.1.2. It produces a fluid that mixes with sperm to create semen.
1.2. What is prostate cancer?
1.2.1. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate gland grow uncontrollably, forming a cancerous tumour.
1.3. Stages of prostate cancer
1.3.1. Localised: Cancer is confined to the prostate.
1.3.2. Locally advanced: Cancer has begun to spread outside the prostate but remains nearby.
1.3.3. Advanced/metastatic: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body (e.g. bones, lymph nodes).
1.4. Common symptoms
1.4.1. Difficulty urinating
1.4.2. Frequent need to urinate (especially at night)
1.4.3. Weak urine flow
1.4.4. Blood in urine or semen
1.4.5. Back pain
1.4.6. Unintentional weight loss
2. Types of hormone therapy
2.1. LHRH Agonists (e.g. goserelin)
2.1.1. Side effects
2.1.1.1. Hot flushes: Sudden warmth and sweating.
2.1.1.2. Sexual dysfunction: Decreased libido and erectile difficulties.
2.1.1.3. Fatigue: Tiredness and lack of energy.
2.1.1.4. Bone density loss: Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures over time.
2.1.1.5. Weight gain: Often around the abdomen due to metabolic changes.
2.1.1.6. Cardiovascular risks: Increased cholesterol, blood pressure, and higher risk of heart disease.
2.2. LHRH Antagonists (e.g. degarelix)
2.2.1. Side effects
2.2.1.1. Hot flushes: Sudden warmth and sweating.
2.2.1.2. Sexual dysfunction: Decreased libido and erectile difficulties.
2.2.1.3. Fatigue: Tiredness and lack of energy.
2.2.1.4. Mood changes: Depression, irritability and emotional instability.
2.2.1.5. Injection site irritation: Redness, swelling or tenderness at the injection site.
2.3. Anti-Androgens (e.g. bicalutamide)
2.3.1. Side effects
2.3.1.1. Hot flushes: Sudden warmth and sweating.
2.3.1.2. Breast tenderness and enlargement
2.3.1.3. Liver function issues
2.3.1.4. Sexual dysfunction: Loss of interest in sexual activity and difficulty achieving erections.
2.3.1.5. Mood changes: Depression, irritability and emotional instability.
2.4. Subcapsular orchiectomy (surgical removal of part of the testicles)
2.4.1. Side effects
2.4.1.1. Hot flushes: Sudden warmth and sweating.
2.4.1.2. Fatigue: Tiredness and lack of energy.
2.4.1.3. Sexual dysfunction: Loss of interest in sexual activity and difficulty achieving erections.