PSA value | What is the final stage of prostate cancer?

PSA value

PSA stands for “Prostate Specific Antigen”. It is a protein which is formed by prostate cells and which serves, among other things, to liquefy sperm. If there is a malignant change in the area of the prostate, the PSA level usually increases.

However, the value is not specific for the presence of a malignant disease. It may also indicate other age-related or acute disorders, inflammation and diseases of the prostate. You can find detailed information under PSA value for prostate cancer or also generally under PSA value

What can be done therapeutically in the final stage?

In the final stage of prostate cancer, there is no curative treatment available. Often, (further) surgery is not necessary. Palliative treatment is in the foreground.

This includes an adequate and sufficient pain therapy, which consists of various drug and non-drug components. In addition to the pain medication, massages, acupuncture, relaxation techniques and other physio- and occupational therapy measures can contribute to pain relief. The aim is to relieve the patient of suffering and pain as much as possible and to create the best possible quality of life.

If desired, the patient should have the opportunity to talk to a clergyman, a psychotherapist or other qualified personnel. In addition, empathic and competent care and support of the patient and his relatives is essential. Many affected persons wish to spend as little time as possible in hospital. With the help of social services, home nursing and other institutions and persons, the wishes of the affected person and his or her relatives should be met as far as possible.

Disease progression and life expectancy in the terminal stage

If the disease is advanced, there is no cure. Although the symptoms may temporarily decrease, the damage is no longer regressing and tumor growth can only be delayed to a limited extent. The course of the disease can vary individually in terms of time and content and cannot be predicted generally.

In the final stage, the time that remains should be designed to suit the individual patient. Life expectancy depends on the extent of the metastases and individual factors. Untreated, usually only a few weeks remain to live.

With therapy, life expectancy can be increased to between a few months and a year. In some cases, life expectancy is higher. In other cases, it can also be shorter. It is very difficult to give an exact, general time indication.