Facing Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastasis—We Stand with You
Update Date:2025/08/05,
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By Dr. Chiang Pei-Chang, Department of Urology
When your doctor tells you that prostate cancer has spread to your bones—known as bone metastasis—it’s natural to feel anxious and overwhelmed. It is indeed a serious challenge, but please rest assured: this doesn’t mean there’s nothing that can be done. Thanks to today’s medical advancements and the dedication of our entire healthcare team, we now have effective ways to face this battle together and protect your health and quality of life.
What Problems Can Bone Metastasis Cause?
Think of your bones as the beams and pillars of a house, and cancer cells as intruders causing hidden damage. When these cells invade the bone, they can weaken it and lead to three major problems:
• Persistent Pain
What starts as a dull ache can gradually become more uncomfortable, especially at night, making it hard to sleep or eat.
• Unexpected Fractures
Weakened bones are more prone to breaking—sometimes even from simple movements like turning over in bed or bending down. This can limit your mobility and may require extended bed rest.
• Impact on Daily Life
When spinal bones are affected, they can press on nerves, making walking difficult. In severe cases, bladder or bowel control may be affected, increasing the need for family support and care.
If you’re experiencing ongoing bone pain or notice unsteadiness when walking, please inform your doctor immediately. Early detection allows us to help you sooner.
What Are Our Best Tools Against Bone Metastasis?
Fortunately, we now have powerful tools to protect your bones. One key medication is Denosumab, a targeted therapy for bone health.
Think of Denosumab as your personal “bone bodyguard.” It works by stopping cancer cells from further damaging your bones. Based on the experience of the urology team at the Tri-Service General Hospital, this “bodyguard” offers several key benefits:
• Significantly Reduces Fracture Risk
It lowers the risk of fractures or spinal compression caused by bone metastasis by around 60%.
• Helps Manage Pain
It can delay the worsening of pain, helping you maintain a better quality of life.
• Creates Opportunities for Other Treatments
By protecting your bones and stabilizing your condition, you’ll be in better shape to undergo other anti-cancer treatments, giving you more time and options.
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A Team Behind You: What Is “Multidisciplinary Integrated Care”?
You are not fighting this alone. We have a full medical team standing behind you, offering what’s called multidisciplinary integrated care.
Think of it as a “one-stop service center,” where specialists from urology, orthopedics, radiation oncology, dentistry, nutrition, and more work together. You’ll also have the support of a dedicated cancer case manager—your personal health coordinator.
Your case manager will:
• Organize All Treatments
You won’t need to worry about which department to visit or when to schedule tests.
• Be Your Point of Contact
Any questions? Your case manager is there to help and communicate with all your doctors.
• Take Care of Every Detail
From dental evaluations before treatment to nutritional support during therapy, we’ve got you covered.
Through this team-based approach, you and your family can avoid the stress of navigating multiple departments on your own, allowing you to focus on healing with peace of mind.
Words of Encouragement
Dear friend, battling cancer is a long journey, and bone metastasis is no small obstacle. But please keep your confidence. With the progress of modern medicine and the full commitment of our team, we truly can fight alongside you.
As long as you stay actively engaged in your treatment, we will be here to safeguard your quality of life—together, with dignity and hope, every step of the way.