Advanced Prostate Cancer
Advanced prostate cancer means the disease has grown beyond the prostate itself, typically spreading to nearby lymph nodes, bones, or other organs. At this stage, localised treatments alone are not enough, and the focus shifts to slowing progression, controlling symptoms, and preserving quality of life.
Medicine used to treat Advanced Prostate Cancer
How androgen blockade fits into treatment
Prostate cancer cells rely on male hormones (androgens) to grow. Blocking androgen activity is the cornerstone of advanced-stage management. Bicalutamide is a non-steroidal anti-androgen that competes with testosterone at the receptor level, reducing the signal that drives tumour growth. It is used both as monotherapy and alongside other hormonal approaches. Broader care for patients at this stage often falls under oncology support, which covers symptom management, pain relief, and monitoring for bone complications.
Recognising when the disease has advanced
Common signs include persistent back or hip pain (from bone involvement), difficulty urinating, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Bone pain that wakes a person at night warrants prompt medical review. In parts of Asia such as South Korea and Japan, where PSA screening uptake is rising but still uneven, some men first present with locally advanced or metastatic disease, making awareness of these symptoms especially important.