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Chemotherapy for prostate cancer is sometimes recommended to treat cancerous cells that have spread from the prostate gland to other tissues and organs. Chemo drugs can be administered intravenously or orally; either way, they enter a patient’s bloodstream and travel throughout his body to reach and destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. Because systemic treatment is not required for cancer that is confined to the prostate gland, chemotherapy is generally reserved for use in cases of advanced-stage cancer that has metastasized to other tissues. Even then, hormone therapy that is designed to lower the level of testosterone (a hormone that promotes prostate cancer growth) is usually the preferred form of treatment. Chemo is generally used to treat prostate cancer that does not respond to, or has become unresponsive to, hormone therapy.

Some chemotherapy drugs that are used for treating prostate cancer include:

  • Docetaxel (most common)
  • Mitoxantrone
  • Epirubicin
  • Paclitaxel
  • Estramustine

The Genitourinary Oncology Clinic at Moffitt Cancer Center is leading the way in prostate cancer treatment. Working as a collaborative tumor board, our multispecialty team of cancer experts assesses each patient’s case and recommends the optimal treatment plan based on unique factors like the type and stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health and preferences.

In addition to our extensive range of advanced prostate cancer therapies, Moffitt offers a robust clinical trial program. Through these important and carefully monitored research studies, our patients can access promising new chemotherapy drugs and drug combinations before they are made available in other settings. As a direct result of efforts like these, we have achieved favorable patient outcomes and our patients have high-quality lives.

If you’d like to discuss chemotherapy for prostate cancer,clinical trial opportunities or other therapies with a member of our team, call 1-888-663-3488, or complete a new patient registration form online. Chemotherapy is available at all Moffitt locations, and there is no need to obtain a physician’s referral before exploring prostate cancer treatment at Moffitt.