My huband has been diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Prostate cancer. Since he was 43 when diagnosed (it took them awhile since prostate cancer usually strikes older men) and the cancer has spread to his bones, bladder, liver and lymph nodes. After 2 rounds of chemo and one hormone shot, the lymph nodes have shrunck some and the bone lesions have lessened some. The doctors now want to do another 2 rounds of chemo and localized radiation. My husband is unwilling to take another hormone shot due to the side effects and his age. He would actually like us to have a baby. Can you tell me his prognosis? Would another baby even be possible?
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Q: Prognosis for 44 year old man with Stage 4 Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Answers (3)
2/18/09 12:42pm
Metastatic prostate cancer is associated with a very poor prognosis. The survival data that you are seeking is a function of what chemotherapy protocol your husband is currently on. The fact that he has had a partial response is promising but long-term survival is not common in patients with advanced metastatic disease.
A recent study from Columbia University cites median survival of 16 months with progression of disease being delayed for twice as long in patients treated with docetaxel and estramustine (Petrylak et al).
The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute cites a 5-year survival rate of less than 40% for distant disease.
Conception is typically not advised while undergoing chemotherapy; however, this should be discussed in greater detail with his oncologist who is familiar with the exact treatment protocol that he is on.
2/ 2/09 5:58pm
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your question. I'm passing your question along to one of the doctors on our site and we'll let you know when a response has been posted.
Thanks,
Dan
4/12/11 11:57pm
Hi Julie,
I'm so sorry about your husband. I can empathize with you for my husband is only 48 and he also has stage 4 prostate cancer witch has metastatized widely to his bones and lymp nodes. He unlike your husband will not take chemo, he was told that his cancer was found to late and the chemo would not save him. He takes the lupron injections and the pill casodex, he also takes the bone treatments to try and keep his bones strengthened. He had his testicles removed the first week of Feb, and contracted MRSA from surgery. I'm sorry to say that it depends a lot on your husbands mental outlook, just how well he will do with treatment. My husband is extremely depressed. I will remember your family in my prayers.
Patricia
1/22/12 11:56pm
My dad is 86, has has this two years, gleason 7, metastatic prognosis. Hormone theraphy is working but needs a boost from another medicine. My prayers to everyone, patients and caregivers. If we don't have hope, what do we have?
There are new medicines. I am a researcher with a doctorate but not in the sciences. Still, I have had access to medical databases and, there are alot of new meds. This disease is researched world-wide. I am realistic and hopeful that the meds will sustain his life a long time.
Don't just rely on one doctor, get other opinions and be open to new trials.
1/22/12 11:57pm
My dad is 86, has has this two years, gleason 7, metastatic prognosis. Hormone theraphy is working but needs a boost from another medicine. My prayers to everyone, patients and caregivers. If we don't have hope, what do we have?
There are new medicines. I am a researcher with a doctorate but not in the sciences. Still, I have had access to medical databases and, there are alot of new meds. This disease is researched world-wide. I am realistic and hopeful that the meds will sustain his life a long time.
Don't just rely on one doctor, get other opinions and be open to new trials.
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By Julie— Last Modified: 01/22/12, First Published: 02/02/09
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Hello:
I'm wondering if you can comment on my Dad's situation? He's 91 with stage four metastatic cancer. There is significant disease in the bones, some nodules in the lungs and spleen. He just started hormone therapy. He still has pain but says he can 'bear it'. He's also a survivor of gastric cancer. Any thoughts on his prognosis?