Targeted therapy for prostate cancer: what to know

A targeted medicine may block a growth signal, interfere with DNA repair, or act on another feature that helps prostate cancer cells survive. Testing may use tumour tissue, blood, or inherited information. Results help your team discuss options, but they must be considered alongside cancer extent, previous medicines, and your general health.

Some treatments are tablets and others are given by infusion. Side effects vary, but may include tiredness, nausea, diarrhoea, skin changes, blood-pressure changes, or altered blood counts. Monitoring can include blood tests, blood pressure checks, kidney or liver tests, and assessment of symptoms.

Tell the oncology team about heart problems, blood-pressure problems, seizures, bleeding, allergies, and every medicine or supplement you use. Take treatment at the prescribed time and follow storage instructions. Do not double a missed dose unless your team specifically tells you to.

Keep a written symptom diary and bring it to appointments. Ask whether grapefruit, alcohol, or particular supplements should be avoided with your medicine. Arrange advice before dental work, surgery, or starting a new medicine.

Call your treatment team promptly for fever, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, black or bloody stools, unexpected bleeding, marked swelling, a severe rash, new breathlessness, or a sudden change in urine output. Get emergency help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or sudden weakness or difficulty speaking.

What test result makes this medicine relevant to me? How will you assess whether it is helping? Which symptoms require an urgent call? Will it affect my other medicines or daily activities? What is the plan if side effects appear?