Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer

Metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a type of advanced prostate cancer that occurs after initial treatments, such as hormone therapy, don’t work. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States. It tends to grow slowly, although in some cases it can be aggressive and spread quickly.

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is when the cancer progresses and spreads outside the prostate to other parts of the body, such as the bones. This stage of cancer is also known as hormone-refractory or hormone-resistant prostate cancer.

Causes of mCRPC

For mCRPC to develop, there needs to be a genetic change in the tumor so it is resistant to hormone therapies. The cancer cells are able to continue to grow even when the hormones that normally stop them from growing are suppressed. This allows the cancer to spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of mCRPC

The most common symptoms of mCRPC are pain, fatigue, and weakness. Other symptoms may include:

Weight loss
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Fever
Bone pain
Anemia
An increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels

Treatment of mCRPC

Treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer may involve medications, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Medications such as abiraterone and enzalutamide are used to reduce tumor growth. Chemotherapy may be used to help slow the spread of cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used to reduce pain from bone metastasis.

The prognosis of mCRPC is highly variable and depends on many factors. It is important to work with your health care team to create a treatment plan that works best for you.