Chemotherapy for prostate cancer

Were metastases found in your body when you were diagnosed with prostate cancer? Your physician may suggest a combination treatment of hormone therapy and chemotherapy. This combination can be beneficial for people with extensive bone metastases. The chemotherapy will most likely consist of six sessions using the medicine docetaxel (Taxotere®). 

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that works by halting cell division. The therapy targets cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy can halt the illness for a brief or longer duration and alleviate symptoms.

What are the potential side effects?

Chemotherapy damages healthy cells as well as cancer cells. You may experience side effects like hair loss, nausea and vomiting, bowel problems, and a decrease in your white blood count, making you more vulnerable to infections. Nowadays there are drugs available that alleviate nausea in most patients. Most side effects will cease after your treatment.