TRELSTAR - About Prostate Cancer

Cancer of the prostate begins in the prostate’s glandular tissue, which is a part of the reproductive system. Since only men have a prostate gland, only they are prone to this kind of cancer.

Most of the cancers involving the prostate are called adenocarcinomas. Often, a malignant tumor begins somewhere in the outer section of the prostate gland. As it grows, it could spread to the inner section of the gland. If the cancer has not spread, it is termed “localized prostate cancer.” The good news is that this type of cancer is slow-growing, giving it more of a chance to be successfully managed. In fact, nearly all (99%) men who are diagnosed with it survive at least five years following their diagnosis.18 If caught early, the chance of surviving the disease may be increased.

As the cancer grows, it could squeeze the urethra, which is surrounded by the prostate. This may cause such symptoms as difficulty in urinating. Although not a definite sign of prostate cancer, this is often one of the first symptoms that someone may experience if they have prostate cancer. Prostate cancer could spread to the lymph nodes, some bones (particularly those of the hip and lower back), lungs, and, sometimes, even the brain. This is called metastatic prostate cancer.

Learn more about some symptoms or risk factors of prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Facts

References

Indications and Usage

TRELSTAR^® Depot and TRELSTAR^® LA are indicated in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. TRELSTAR Depot and TRELSTAR LA offer an alternative treatment for prostate cancer when orchiectomy or estrogen administration are either not indicated or unacceptable to the patient.

Safety Information

After your first injection of TRELSTAR, you might feel a temporary increase in your cancer symptoms, such as pain in your bones. This is because the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream actually goes up for a short period after the injection. If your symptoms increase later than the first week or two following an injection, tell your doctor. The most common side effects that patients taking TRELSTAR have are actually the effect of lowering testosterone levels. The most common effect of lowering testosterone is hot flushes or flashes. These are like the hot flashes women have around the time of menopause. Other side effects include bone pain, impotence (sexual side effect), headache, leg pain, and swelling in the legs. Women who are or may become pregnant and those who are allergic to this type of drug should not take TRELSTAR. For more information on these and other side effects, please talk to your doctor.