Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to the development of prostate cancer:

Risk factors

Age: The risk increases significantly as men age, especially after age 50.

Family history: Having a family history of prostate cancer may increase the risk, suggesting a genetic component.

Ethnicity: African American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men of other races.

Hormones: Androgens such as testosterone play a role in prostate growth and may influence cancer development.

Diet and lifestyle: A diet rich in red meat and dairy products, as well as obesity may increase the risk.

Genetic factors: Certain inherited gene mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2) may increase the risk.

Growth process

Cell changes: The process often begins with changes in the DNA of prostate cells, leading to abnormal growth.

Adenocarcinoma: Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop in the glandular cells that produce prostate fluid.

Local growth: Cancer cells may grow locally within the prostate gland before invading nearby tissues.

Metastasis: In advanced stages, cancer may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as bones, lymph nodes, or other organs.

Symptoms

In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. As it grows, symptoms may include:

Difficulty urinating

Weak or interrupted urine stream

Blood in urine or semen

Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

Screening and diagnosis

Regular screenings, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DRE), can help detect prostate cancer early. A biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Is abiraterone (Zytiga) effective in prostate cancer?

Yes, abiraterone (Zytiga) is effective in treating prostate cancer, particularly in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Here are some key points about its effectiveness:

Indications

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Abiraterone is often used after other treatments, such as hormone therapy or chemotherapy, have failed.

Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: It is also approved for use in combination with prednisone in newly diagnosed metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Mechanism of action

Abiraterone works by inhibiting the enzyme CYP17, which is involved in the production of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone). By reducing androgen levels, it helps slow the growth of prostate cancer cells that depend on these hormones.

Clinical efficacy

Improved survival: Clinical trials have shown that abiraterone can substantially increase overall survival in men with advanced prostate cancer and delay disease progression.

Quality of life: Many patients report improvements in symptoms and quality of life during treatment.

Combination therapy

Abiraterone is often used in combination with prednisone, which helps reduce some side effects and increase its effectiveness.

Side effects

While abiraterone can be effective, it also comes with potential side effects that need to be managed under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Overall, abiraterone is considered an important treatment option for managing advanced prostate cancer, especially in cases that are resistant to other treatments.

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