Stage IV prostate cancer is diagnosed when the cancer has spread to other locations throughout the body

Stage IV prostate cancer is diagnosed when the cancer has spread to other locations throughout the body. This stage of prostate cancer is hard to cure; however, with effective treatment techniques it is possible that the patient will live for several years.  Stage IV prostate cancer can further be classified into two different groups. In one group, the cancer is confined to the pelvic area although it is affecting lymph nodes and other organs within this region. In the other group, cancer has spread to distant locations in the body such as the bones.

Treatment Options

Depending on the patient's particular case, a physician will recommend the best possible treatment or combination of treatments. Each patient will react differently to treatment for prostate cancer. It is the patient's ultimate decision whether to receive treatment or maybe even opt for a different treatment. It is highly advisable that the patient receive treatment for cancer, in most cases.

Radical Prostatectomy: A radical prostatectomy is the removal of the entire prostate gland from the body. This procedure can help to remove the cancerous cells that are located in the prostate gland. Usually this procedure is recommended if the cancer is confined to the pelvic area. This procedure will not remove cancer.  Combined Therapy: this treatment is a combination of several different forms of treatments. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and hormonal therapy, help to improve the patient's chances of relative survival. Studies have shown that the combination of these treatments have more of an effect on late stage cancer than using just one or a combination of two different treatment options. Surgery alone only allows a 20 to 40% chance of a relative five-year survival rate. The combination of hormonal therapy and radiation therapy gives a 55% chance of a relative five-year survival rate. Clinical studies have shown that a combined modality therapy can raise the chances of relative survival.

Clinical trials are being conducted on an ongoing basis. Through these trials, current treatments have proven to be effective and eventually approved for use in treatment for the public. As new clinical trials are completed, there is the possibility that more and more options will be discovered that will help a patient with Stage IV prostate cancer survive longer; however, receiving annual exams by a physician can help catch prostate cancer in the earlier stages. It is highly advisable that all men over the age of 30 schedule an annual exam.