On the Side: An Overview of Prostate Cancer Treatment Side Effects

There are an array of treatment types for men with prostate cancer, and with them can come a multitude of side effects. Here’s the lowdown on some of the most common potential side effects that can accompany prostate cancer treatments. Ask your doctor if there are strategies that can help you avoid or lessen these symptoms.

Surgery:

• Temporary or permanent impotence (the inability to get an erection)

• Urinary incontinence (the inability to control the flow of urine)

Radiation Therapy:

• Fatigue (temporary)

• Diarrhea or other bowel problems or pain (temporary)

• An increased need to urinate (temporary)

• Impotence (permanent)

Hormonal Therapy:

• Reduced libido

• Hot flashes

• Bone fractures

• Erectile dysfunction

• Loss of muscle mass

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

Chemotherapy:

• Hair loss

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Muscle pain

Xofigo (radium-223):

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Swelling in the legs and hands (peripheral edema)

• Low blood counts

Immunotherapy:

Provenge:

• Chills

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Back pain

• Headache

• Joint ache

Checkpoint Inhibitors:

• Rash

• Diarrhea

•Endocrine disruptions

• Lung inflammation