Understanding Recurring Prostate Cancer: Detection & Next Steps

Sometimes a few prostate cancer cells are able to evade local treatment and will continue to grow. This is known as recurrent prostate cancer.

Detecting Recurrent Prostate Cancer

• Recurrent prostate cancer is usually detected by checking PSA levels (prostate-specific antigen) in the blood which have risen over 0.05 during follow-up tests after surgery or radiation therapy. This means that prostate cancer cells are located in other parts of the body and may return slowly or aggressively, requiring treatment.

Radiation Therapy

• Men who have had radical surgery may benefit from radiation therapy, known as salvage radiation therapy, with recurrent cancer.

Drugs for Recurrent Prostate Cancer

• Exisulind is a new type of drug for prostate cancer treatment called a selective apoptotic antineoplastic drug (SAAND). It delays PSA increase by selectively causing cancerous cells to die and sparing normal cells. It also delays the use of hormonal therapy.

Hormonal Therapy Treatment

• Hormonal treatment is used as a last resort when necessary for patient comfort, or if there's evidence of significant progression of the disease. Depriving the cancer of testosterone will not allow it to grow. Though initially useful, hormone treatment usually loses effectiveness over time.

Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM)

• These are natural medicines, supplements and therapies used in addition to or instead of conventional cancer treatments. A doctor may help find a holistic practitioner.

Investigational Treatments

• Enrolling in investigational treatments may help to try therapies which are promising, but still in research stage.