Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Latest Options, Medications, and Proven Therapies
Treatments For Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, with more than 160,000 new diagnoses reported annually in the United States alone. Thanks to continuous medical advancements, treatments are becoming more precise, powerful, and targeted than ever before. Whether newly diagnosed or exploring treatment alternatives, understanding the full range of available therapies can help you make an informed, confident decision about your care.
Table of Contents – Treatments For Prostate Cancer
- Newest Targeted Medications for Prostate Cancer
- How Xtandi & Erleada Are Used in Treatment Plans
- Most Common Standard Treatments for Prostate Cancer
- 10 Healthy Habits to Lower Prostate Cancer Risk
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Moving Forward: Your Prostate Health Journey
Newest Targeted Medications for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Breakthrough medications have transformed how doctors treat complex prostate cancer. Unlike older hormone therapies that simply lower testosterone, new agents target how cancer cells receive and use hormonal signals. These drugs are especially useful for cancers that have spread or become resistant to traditional treatments.
These therapies allow doctors to continue managing cancer growth even after testosterone-lowering therapies stop working. They improve survival rates and help maintain a better quality of life for men undergoing treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Two important medications — Xtandi (Enzalutamide) and Erleada (Apalutamide) — are now widely used and recommended for specific forms of the disease. Each medication supports different cancer stages and progression patterns.
Xtandi (Enzalutamide): A Targeted Therapy Option
Xtandi is prescribed for men with certain types of prostate cancer, especially when the cancer becomes resistant to hormone therapy. It is known to significantly delay cancer progression for those with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
In patients whose cancer has already spread, Xtandi can still slow growth and improve survival — particularly when combined with ongoing testosterone-lowering therapy. Its benefits extend to both early and advanced metastatic cases, making it a versatile medication. Treatments For Prostate Cancer: Before starting Xtandi, doctors check overall health history — including heart disease, stroke, blood pressure, and neurological conditions — because this is a potent medication with specific risks and interactions.
Erleada (Apalutamide): A Strong Option for Progressive Disease
Erleada is another advanced anti-androgen therapy used for prostate cancer that has spread or that is progressing without metastasis. Like Xtandi, it blocks the androgen-receptor signals that fuel cancer growth. It is commonly paired with hormone-lowering medication and may delay the need for chemotherapy. Many men experience extended control over PSA levels and slower disease advancement with Erleada as part of their care plan.
Doctors will consider comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular conditions before prescribing Erleada, and will discuss potential side effects including fatigue, rash, joint pain, or weight changes.
How Are Xtandi & Erleada Taken? Treatment Plans Explained
The dosage and schedule of these medications are carefully individualized. Patients are expected to take pills daily, exactly as directed, and never stop abruptly unless instructed. Regular PSA testing helps doctors measure response and make adjustments if needed.
These medications may interact with other prescriptions or supplements — so honesty with your medical team about everything you take is extremely important. For safety, these medicines should also be stored securely away from children and pets. Treatments For Prostate Cancer: While some side effects may appear early, many patients adapt over time. Close communication with your care team ensures comfort, safety, and effectiveness throughout treatment.
Most Common Standard Treatments for Prostate Cancer Today
While newer drugs offer hope for advanced cases, traditional treatments remain the foundation of prostate cancer care. Over decades, these methods have proven highly effective and continue to evolve with better precision and fewer long-term impacts.
Your treatment plan depends heavily on your cancer’s stage and speed of growth. Early-stage prostate cancer may only require monitoring, while intermediate or aggressive cancers often need active intervention to remove or destroy tumors. The main standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and — for very low-risk cancers — active surveillance.
Prostatectomy (Surgery)
A radical prostatectomy removes the prostate gland and is most often recommended for localized prostate cancer with curative intent. When cancers are caught early, surgery offers excellent long-term survival outcomes.
Minimally invasive robotic approaches now allow faster recovery times and improved preservation of nerve pathways related to continence and sexual function. Treatments For Prostate Cancer : After surgery, follow-up includes PSA monitoring to ensure cancer does not return — early detection of recurrence leads to the most effective intervention.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses precise high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is a strong alternative to surgery and offers comparable success rates for localized disease. Some patients may choose it to avoid surgery or when surgery is not recommended due to age or health concerns.
For advanced cases, radiation may target areas where cancer has spread, often combined with hormone therapy to maximize outcomes. Modern radiation techniques minimize damage to surrounding tissues — leading to fewer long-term side effects than older generations of treatment.
Hormone Therapy (ADT)
Sometimes called androgen deprivation therapy, ADT reduces testosterone — the hormone prostate cancer cells rely on. It does not cure cancer but can slow or shrink tumors dramatically.
ADT is often used alongside radiation for aggressive cancers or when cancer returns after surgery. Treatments For Prostate Cancer: Medication types include injections, implants, and advanced oral agents like Xtandi and Erleada. Side-effect management — including bone health, muscle strength, and sexual energy — is a key part of long-term hormone therapy care.
Active Surveillance
For small, slow-growing prostate cancers, immediate treatment may not be necessary. Instead, doctors closely monitor PSA levels, imaging, and occasional biopsies to watch for progression.
This approach preserves quality of life and avoids potential treatment side effects while still keeping cancer under careful control. It is best suited for very low-risk cases — if cancer shows signs of growing, treatment can be started early enough for success.
10 Healthy Habits to Lower Your Prostate Cancer Risk
While no lifestyle choice guarantees prevention, healthy daily habits may reduce your risk of prostate cancer and improve overall wellness. Here are research-supported tips:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, tomatoes, and whole grains.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise.
- Limit red meat, processed foods, and high-fat dairy.
- Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
- Support immune health with antioxidant-rich foods like green tea.
- Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or outdoor activity.
- Discuss PSA screening with your doctor if you’re over 50 or high-risk.
- Learn your family history to assess hereditary risk.
- Monitor hormonal health and testosterone levels when medically appropriate.
- Stay proactive about overall prostate wellness — more info here: Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Frequently Asked Questions – Treatments For Prostate Cancer
What are the main treatment options for prostate cancer?
The primary options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and active surveillance. In advanced disease, targeted therapies such as Xtandi and Erleada are increasingly used to control growth and delay progression.
How effective is surgery for prostate cancer?
Surgery offers a high chance of cure for localized prostate cancer. Many men remain cancer-free long-term, especially when treated early by experienced surgeons.
When is radiation therapy used?
Radiation is used both for early-stage cancers as a curative option and for later-stage cancers to help control symptoms and prevent spread. It may be combined with hormone therapy for better outcomes.
What is hormone therapy and how does it work?
Hormone therapy reduces testosterone to slow cancer growth. It is often used when cancer is advanced, has returned, or is too risky for immediate surgery.
What is active surveillance?
This approach closely monitors small, slow-growing tumors without immediate treatment — allowing many men to avoid side effects unless progression occurs.
Your Prostate Health Journey Moving Forward
Treatments For Prostate Cancer: Today’s prostate cancer treatments offer more options, more precision, and better long-term outcomes than ever before. From proven standard therapies to advanced targeted medications like Xtandi and Erleada, men have powerful tools available at every stage of the disease.
Making informed decisions, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, and staying connected to medical care all help improve survival and support a full, active life after treatment. If you have symptoms or a family history of prostate cancer, prioritizing early detection is one of your strongest defenses.
You don’t have to navigate this alone — your doctors, family, and support communities are here for you every step of the way.
