Prostate cancer refers to cancer developing in the prostate, a tiny, walnut-shaped male organ below the bladder. This organ produces testosterone, the primary male hormone. The condition progresses slowly, and early intervention can lead to complete recovery. Some tried-and-tested treatments under a doctor’s supervision may be highly beneficial for those with prostate cancer. For example, Nubeqa is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for prostate cancer, particularly for those with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).

What is non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer?
In nmCRPC, the cancerous cells have not begun spreading to other organs in one’s body but have stopped responding to treatments that lower testosterone levels. So, unlike early-stage cancer, which needs normal testosterone levels for cancer cells to multiply, with nmCRPC, these cells continue growing within the prostate even if one’s testosterone levels fall considerably. If left undetected, this stage advances to the metastatic type, wherein cancerous cells begin spreading to the bones and lymph nodes and sometimes to the brain, lungs, etc. Treating cancer at the non-metastatic stage increases recovery and survival rates.

How does Nubeqa work for prostate cancer?
This FDA-approved intervention for prostate cancer is also called darolutamide, and it is a type of androgen receptor inhibitor. Doctors check for two main parameters when prescribing Nubeqa to those with prostate cancer.

• • Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Oncologists usually prescribe Nubeqa to those for whom the cancerous cells are still confined to the prostate and do not respond to other prescription treatments or surgical interventions that lower testosterone.

• Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: The other situation in which oncologists prescribe Nubeqa is 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 treatment types.

Essentially, this treatment works by blocking the effects of testosterone. This can prevent cancerous cells from spreading to other body parts and slow down cancer growth.

How quickly d oes Nubeqa st art working?
While Nubeqa begins working in the body instantly, its effects may take a while. Doctors usually prescribe prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to check its effects on prostate cancer. If one’s PSA level is low, it means that the prescription treatment is working.

How and when should one use Nubeqa ?
Nubeqa is an oral prescription treatment. Before taking it, it is best to speak with one’s oncologist about its course, benefits, functioning in the body, etc. When taken per the oncologist’s instructions and under their guidance, Nubeqa can help prevent nmCRPC from becoming metastatic and slow down its growth in the prostate. One can set a daily reminder on one’s phone to ensure that one doesn’t forget to take the prescription treatment on time. Also, it is important to know that it should be taken only with meals or as suggested by the oncologist.