What happens if I do not treat the prostate cancer?
Not in every case prostate cancer is treated immediately. Particularly in the case of small tumours with a low risk profile, the doctor may recommend waiting until the tumour has spread. This treatment strategy is called “active surveillance” and means as much as “active monitoring“.
The prostate is checked at regular intervals and treatment is only initiated if the disease progresses further. Studies have shown that patients in such cases have no disadvantage compared to immediate initiation of treatment. In contrast, a more advanced tumour must always be treated immediately, otherwise the disease spreads rapidly and leads to a significant impairment of quality of life. Life expectancy in the case of prostate cancer depends primarily on the size, type and spread of the tumour.
What is the treatment in the final stage?
In the final stage of prostate cancer, in most cases only palliative treatment is possible. This means that the patient can no longer be cured, but that the primary therapeutic goal is to improve the quality of life. Palliative therapy is intended to prevent the tumour from further growth and to improve the patient’s symptoms.
Patients in the terminal stage often suffer from pain, weight loss, exhaustion and anxiety. The tumour can press on the urethra and thus cause problems with urination. In the terminal stage, prostate cancer has formed metastases that can spread throughout the body and cause pain and discomfort in the respective organs (for example, the spine, liver or kidneys).
Together with the patient and his relatives, the doctor draws up a suitable therapy plan which serves to treat the physical and psychological complaints appropriately. In addition to comprehensive pain therapy and the administration of anxiety-relieving medication, this includes close medical care and support. Seriously ill patients are either cared for in their home environment by relatives or by an outpatient nursing service. There is also the possibility of palliative care in a hospital or a specialized day clinic.
Methadone
Methadone is a drug from the group of opioids and is known as a substitute for heroin addicts. Methadone has analgesic and sedative effects. The use of methadone in cancer treatment has been discussed for some time.
There is evidence that cancer patients who take methadone have a longer survival time. However, there are currently no clear studies that prove the effectiveness of methadone in cancer treatment. For this reason, reputable organisations such as the German Cancer Aid Foundation conclude that the use of methadone in cancer is not justified due to possible risks (such as increased mortality).
How long does the treatment take?
The duration of the treatment depends on the respective form of therapy. A localized prostate tumor without metastases can be treated surgically. Ideally, the patient is considered to be cured after the operation and the removal of the prostate including seminal vesicles.
Radiation therapy is usually carried out over several weeks, with the patient being treated for a few minutes every day. After a successful radiation treatment, the patient is then tumour-free and the treatment is complete. A hormone withdrawal therapy prevents tumour growth, but if used alone it does not lead to a cure.
In hormone therapy, the patient either has his testicles removed or has to take medication at regular intervals. The growth of the tumour is stopped for the duration of the therapy, which can be for months or years. The last stop in the fight against an advanced prostate tumour is chemotherapy.
The drugs are administered over several cycles, with the duration of the treatment depending on the individual findings of the patient. In the case of very serious side effects, it may also be necessary to reduce the dose or to stop treatment early.
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