[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Prostate cancer develops when there is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is located below the bladder and around the urethra, and its main function is to produce a fluid that combines with sperm and makes semen more liquid. There are treatment options to address the condition.
Given the location of the gland, prostate cancer affects both the reproductive and urinary systems. The disease causes symptoms such as urinary problems like a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night; blood in the urine; erectile dysfunction; and pain in the hips, back, chest, or other areas if the cancer has spread to the bones or other areas.
How Casodex (bicalutamide) works
Casodex is a hormone-based chemotherapy. The NCI Drug Dictionary defines the compound as a “synthetic, nonsteroidal anti-androgen. Bicalutamide competitively binds to cytosolic androgen receptors in target tissues, thereby inhibiting the receptor binding of androgens. This agent does not bind to most mutated forms of androgen receptors.” Casodex is used in combination with other agonists like leuprolide or goserelin for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.
It works by blocking the normal effect of the male hormone androgen. The main type of androgens produced by the body are testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These are formed in testes, adrenal glands and tumors themselves, and they stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. Casodex blocks this ability in order to stop the growth and spread of cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, “Lowering androgen levels or stopping them from getting into prostate cancer cells often makes prostate cancers shrink or grow more slowly for a time. But hormone therapy alone does not cure prostate cancer.”
Bicalutamide to treat prostate cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Casodex in September 2009, and it is indicated for patients whose cancer cannot be treated by surgery or radiation or whose cancer remains or returns after treatment. AstraZeneca commercialized bicalutamide as Casodex.
The most common regimen is to take the medication once a day with or without food. The dose, which depends on many factors, will be determined by the patient’s doctor. In general, patients should start treatment at the same time as LHRH therapy.
Note: Prostate Cancer News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_wp_rss items=”10″ title=”Read the Latest Prostate Cancer News:” url=”https://prostatecancernewstoday.com/category/news-posts/feed”][/vc_column][/vc_row]