Prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body is advanced prostate cancer. Learn more about advanced prostate cancer, including treatment options.
ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER
ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER TYPES Prostate cancer that has spread outside of the prostate is considered advanced prostate cancer.
Locally Advanced: Cancer has spread beyond the prostate into nearby tissues, such as nearby lymph glands or the seminal vesicles. Locally advanced prostate cancer may be referred to as regional prostate cancer and is considered non-metastatic. Metastatic: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lymph nodes, lungs, or liver. This is also referred to as Stage IV (4) prostate cancer. Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (HSPC, also called Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer, or CSPC): A form of prostate cancer that still responds to testosterone suppression therapy. HSPC can be non-metastatic, or nmHSPC, when there is no detectable metastases - spread of cancer - upon imaging. It can be referred to as mHSPC when it has advanced to metastatic stage. Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer (HRPC, also called Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer, or CRPC): Cancer that keeps growing even when the amount of testosterone in the body is reduced to very low levels. HRPC can be non- metastatic, or nmHRPC, when there is no detectable metastases upon imaging, and as mHRPC when it has advanced to metastatic stage. PROSTATE CANCER AND TREATMENT PROGRESSION Radiation Surgery Hormone Therapy Novel Antiandrogens Chemotherapy Targeted Therapy
Chemotherapy Immunotherapy
CLINICAL TRIALS
Non-metastatic prostate cancer
Metastatic prostate cancer
Hormone-Sensitive (HSPC)
Hormone (Castration)-Resistant (HRPC or CRPC)
TREATMENTS FOR ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER Patients with advanced prostate cancer may need a combination of treatments. Treatment decisions should be based on a patient’s specific diagnosis, values, and goals. Treatment options include: Hormone Therapy Hormone therapy stops or slows the body’s ability to make testosterone, aiming to stop tumor growth and/or shrink the tumor. Different types of hormone therapy include the traditional androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and newer hormone therapies, called novel anti-androgens. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy treats the whole body by activating the immune system to recognize and destroy prostate cancer cells. It uses materials to improve, target, or restore immune function. Different types of immunotherapies include vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and others. Targeted Therapy Targeted therapy uses drugs that are designed to find and attack cancer cells. They shut down specific proteins in cancer cells that help the cells divide, grow, and spread. Different types of targeted therapies include PARP inhibitors, PSMA targeted therapy, radioligand therapy, and others. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. They are given through the veins or orally, depending on the drug. Because chemotherapy also attacks other cells in the body, it may cause significant side effects.
ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS A clinical trial is a research study investigating experimental treatment to see if it is safe to use and effective in fighting a disease. All treatments used today for prostate cancer are available because of past clinical trials. Visit zerocancer.org/clinicaltrials to learn more.
A PATIENT EDUCATION SERIES
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ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER
PROSTATE CANCER IS THE MOST COMMONLY DIAGNOSED CANCER IN MEN BESIDES SKIN CANCER AND THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF CANCER DEATH IN MEN IN THE U.S.
MEN ARE LIVING WITH PROSTATE CANCER INTHE U.S. 3.3+ MILLION
AMERICAN MEN
WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH PROSTATE CANCER INTHEIR LIFETIME
PROSTATE CANCER IN THE BONES When prostate cancer spreads, it most often spreads to the bones. This can weaken the bones, cause pain, and increase the risk of fractures. Drugs approved by the FDA are available for the treatment of prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. Maintaining Bone Health Hormone therapy can weaken bones over time. Medicines and lifestyle changes may help prevent bone loss and improve bone density. Some ways to improve bone health are: Strive for a healthy diet Include weight-bearing exercises in your daily routine. Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine. Take calcium (600 mg twice daily) and vitamin D (400-500 IU twice daily) supplements to help slow bone loss LIVING WITH ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER Living with advanced prostate cancer can lead to shifting lifestyle priorities and may cause anxiety. Reduce anxiety by: Talking about these fears with friends or loved ones Joining a prostate cancer support group Writing down thoughts in a journal Speaking with a counselor
Treatment teams, patients, and families can work together to manage side effects from cancer and from its treatments.
We encourage you to use this information in conversations with your healthcare team about prostate cancer and related topics. For more information about prostate cancer and ZERO Prostate Cancer, visit our website www.zerocancer.org. LEARN MORE
ZERO Prostate Cancer provides this information as a service. It is not intended to take the place of medical professionals or the recommendations of your healthcare team. Consult your healthcare team if you have questions about your specific care.
A PATIENT EDUCATION SERIES
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2025.
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