Castration-resistant prostate cancer
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (pronunciation: kas-TRAY-shun re-ZIS-tant PROS-tate KAN-ser) is a form of prostate cancer that continues to grow and spread even when the amount of testosterone in the body is reduced to very low levels.
Etymology
The term "castration-resistant" refers to the cancer's ability to resist treatment that lowers testosterone levels, which is often achieved through medical or surgical castration. The term "prostate cancer" refers to a type of cancer that develops in the prostate, a small gland that produces seminal fluid in men.
Related Terms
- Prostate: A gland in the male reproductive system that produces seminal fluid.
- Testosterone: A hormone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues.
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
- Castration: The removal of the testes or ovaries, or the inhibition of their function by chemical means.
- Androgen deprivation therapy: A treatment that lowers the amount of testosterone in the body, often used to treat prostate cancer.
Treatment
Treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or hormone therapy. The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's personal preferences.
Prognosis
The prognosis for castration-resistant prostate cancer varies widely, depending on factors such as the patient's age, overall health, and the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. In general, however, this type of cancer is more difficult to treat and has a poorer prognosis than prostate cancer that responds to testosterone-lowering treatments.
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