Prostate Cancer - How Bone Directed Therapy Can Help?

Prostate cancer is a condition triggered by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth and division of some cells of the prostate gland. Today, incidences of prostate cancer are alarmingly rising in India. In fact, some reports suggest that the cases of prostate cancer are likely to double by the year 2020, all the more reasons to manage and control the condition on time.

Like the other forms of cancer, prostate cancer can also metastasize and affect the other vital organs of the body (Secondary Cancer). One of the body parts where the prostate cancer is most likely to metastasize first are the bones. As per the American Cancer Society, bone metastasis can give rise to a host of complications and discomfort including Hypercalcemia (elevated levels of blood calcium levels). There will also be severe bone damage with frequent bone fractures which can be quite painful. Thus, it is essential that the spread of prostate cancer is somehow controlled or slowed down. In this regard, the Bone Directed therapy deserves a special mention.

The Osteoclasts are cells in the bone that plays a pivotal role in bone reabsorption, ensuring that the bones stay healthy and disease free. The metastasis of the prostate cancer to bones results in the osteoclasts becoming over-reactive. This, in turn, can result in a myriad of problems affecting the bones. The Prostate Bone Directed Therapy involves the use of drugs and medications that will help to regulate and slow down the over-reactive osteoclast cells. For this purpose, the drug that is commonly used is Zometa or Zoledronic acid, which is a type of Bisphosphonate.

• Lowering the level of the calcium in the blood.
• It also contributes significantly preventing the bone loss, bone thinning, and bone metastasis.
• As per various scientific studies, the use of Bisphosphonates can work wonders to slow down or arrest the metastasis of prostate cancer to the bones.

However, if the prostate cancer had already metastasized the bone, the use of the drug Prolia (intravenous injections are often used) may provide fruitful results. The dosage of the drug may vary among individuals depending on the extent of the damage.

• Prolia is known to play an instrumental role in reducing the incidences of bone breaks and hypercalcemia.
• In people with a relatively higher level of Prostate-specific antigen or PSA ( a protein produced by the prostate gland cells which can be indicative of prostate cancer), the drug Prolia can help to arrest the growth of the malignant cells.

However, the drug comes with its share of side effects which may range from a sharp dip in the calcium level to allergic reactions, backaches, or even jaw bone complications.
Thus, the drug should be used with great care and under strict medical supervision.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!