Prostate cancer that has spread.

[Twinklekat]

Hi, My Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer a few months ago. It has spread into his pelvis and spine. The hormone treatment that he's now on has lowered his PSA levels really well and he's had one zometer and will have his second in January. I know that the treatment is being effective on the prostate but what will the effect be on the secondary cancer in his bones? Will this treatment control its growth?
Thank you for your help.

[Mr Benjamin Challacombe]

Twinklekat
the hormone treatment will shrink the prostate cancer in the prostate and anywhere else including the bones
The lower the PSA falls to the better the response
I many situations the PSA is suppressed for several years
Zometa or zoledronic acid strengthens the bones in this situation.
If the PSA comes back up then he will need to move onto other treatments such as chemotherapy or abiraterone.
Ben

[Ali Rooke]

Hi TwinkleKat,
It sounds like your Dad is doing really well on the hormone therapy treatment, and his PSA is at a low level. To add to what Ben has said, if you wanted to talk this through with a Specialist nurse you can always call the confidential helpline at Prostate Cancer UK on 0800 074 8383. The nurses often speak to sons & daughters and would be happy to talk about the affects of living with hormone treatment, Zometa or further treatments after hormone therapy.
Ali.

[Twinklekat]

Thank you both for your replies, I really appreciate it and thank you for the information about the helpline at Prostate Cancer UK, I had heard about it but wasn't sure if I could talk to them myself, thanks again