Nubeqa for prostate cancer – Here’s what one should know
The prostate gland produces seminal fluid that helps nourish and transport sperm. Prostate cancer refers to cancerous growth in this gland. This condition progresses gradually and is initially confined to the prostate, but if it’s not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can start spreading. Early treatment is the best way to facilitate recovery. An intervention many oncologists recommend to curb prostate cancer growth is Nubeqa, an FDA-approved prescription remedy for non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).
Understanding non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
In this stage of prostate cancer, the cancerous cells are still confined to the prostate, which means they haven’t begun spreading to other organs. But they have stopped responding to treatments aimed at lowering testosterone levels. So, unlike early-stage prostate cancer, which requires testosterone to grow, the cancer cells in the nmCRPC stage continue growing despite external efforts to reduce these levels. If left untreated, the condition may escalate to the metastatic type, wherein cancerous cells may begin spreading to the lymph nodes, bones, etc. Treating prostate cancer at the nmCRPC stage helps increase the chances of recovery.
Mechanism of action of Nubeqa
This FDA-approved prescription treatment, also called darolutamide, is a type of androgen receptor inhibitor. When prescribing Nubeqa, health experts check for two main criteria.
- Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Oncologists usually prescribe Nubeqa to those for whom the cancerous cells are still confined to the prostate gland and do not respond to other prescription remedies or surgical interventions that lower testosterone.
- Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: They may also prescribe Nubeqa when the prostate cancer spreads to other body parts but responds to treatments aimed at lowering testosterone levels. In these cases, Nubeqa is administered in combination with other interventions.
“Mechanism of action” is the process through which this treatment works on one’s body. Basically, the intervention blocks the impacts of testosterone, curbing and slowing down cancer growth and spreading.
Timeline for Nubeqa results
Although Nubeqa starts working in the body immediately, its results may not be evident immediately. Doctors might ask for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to determine whether the treatment is working well. If one’s PSA level is low, it means that Nubeqa is yielding the expected results.
Administration guidelines for Nubeqa
Typically, Nubeqa is an oral prescription treatment. It is advised to consult one’s doctor for instructions on when to take it. One should also remember to take Nubeqa only with meals.
Most importantly, one should constantly stay connected to one’s oncologist and discuss the possible effects and benefits of Nubeqa beforehand. Also, while on the treatment course, it’s important to report to one’s doctor immediately about any unusual symptoms or discomfort one may face. When taken under close professional guidance, Nubeqa can be highly beneficial in slowing prostate cancer growth and preventing its spread.