Approved drugs
Prostate cancer treatment
Treatments can be given to cure cancer or to control or relieve symptoms. You may receive a single treatment or a combination of treatments based on your individual preferences/values and depending on the grade and stage of your cancer (i.e. how far the cancer has spread and how fast it can grow).
This section provides you with information on drugs to treat prostate cancer that are currently approved by Health Canada. As new prostate cancer drugs are approved for use in Canada we will update our information in a timely manner.
Approved by Health Canada
Drugs used in chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Docetaxel (Taxotere)
- Cabazitaxel (Jevtana)
- Mitoxantrone (Teva)
- Prednisone ou Prednisolone
- Dichlorure de radium 223 (Xofigo)
Drugs used in hormone therapy
The most common LHRH agonists are:
- Leuprolide (Lupron, Lupron Depot, Eligard)
- Goséréline (Zoladex)
- Buséréline (Suprefact)
- Triptoréline (Trelstar)
The LHRH antagonist is:
- Dégarélix (Firmagon)
The most common types of anti-androgens are:
Second line hormone therapy (new generation)
Drugs to treat bone metastases symptoms
Newer targetted therapies
Newer nuclear imaging
- TEP-PSMA (68Ga) (Illuccix)
Drugs to treat prostatitis
- Trimethoprime-sulfaméthoxazole
- Ofloxacine
- Ciprofloxacine
- Ampicilline
- Ciprofloxacine
- Doxycycline
Drugs to treat enlarged prostate
5-α-Reductase Inhibitors
α-Blockers
Drugs to treat incontinence
Anticholinergic
- Oxybutynin (Ditropan®) & (Ditropan XL®)*
- (Oxytrol®)*
- (Uromax®)
- Oxybutynin chloride gel (Gelnique®)
- Tolterodine (Detrol LA®) & (Detrol®)*
- Trospium chloride (Trosec®)
- Solifenacin (Vesicare®)
- Darifenacin (Enablex®)
- OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®)
- Fesoterodine (Toviaz®)
- Mirabegron (Myrbetriq®)
Tricyclic antidepressants
- Imipramine (Tofranil®)
*Médicaments les plus prescrits
Drugs to treat urinary tract infections
Fluoroquinolone – Quinolone
- Ciprofloxacine (Cipro®) & (Cipro XL®)
- Lévofloxacine (Levaquin®)
- Norfloxacine (Norflox®)
- Ofloxacine (Oflox®)
- Ampicilline
Sulfonamides
- TMP-SMX (Septra DS®)
- TMP (Apo-Trimethoprim®)
Others
- Nitrofurantoïne (Macrobid®)
- Nitrofurantoïne (Novo-Furantoin®)
β-lactamines
- Amoxicilline-clavulanate de K (Clavulin®)
Cephalosporins
- Cefadroxil (Duricef®)
- Cefprozil (Cefzil®)
- Cephalexine
Drugs to treat erectile dysfunction
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
- Tadalafil
- Vardenafil
- Sildenafil
Drugs to treat hot flashes
- OEstradiol (EstroGel®)
- (Alora®)
- (Climara®)
- (Dermestril®)
- (Elleste Solo®)
- (Esclim®)
- (Menostar®)
- (Vivelle-Dot®)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor®)
- Gabapentine (Neurontin®)
- Medroxy-progestérone (Provera®)
- Megestrol (Megace®)
For more information on medications reimbursed in Quebec, please visit the National Institute of Excellence for Health and Social Services (INESSS) website.
We are here for you
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, and those of your family or your loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
Also take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved to advance the cause.
Staying Informed
Pages that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
The latest PROCURE news that might interest you
Every week we publish a blog article. Here are some we have chosen for you.
- Did you say prostate cancer?
- I want to postpone my treatment… Is that wise?
- I have several treatment options… Which one to choose?
The medical content and editorial team at PROCURE
Our team is composed of urologists, and nurses certified in uro-oncology with a deep knowledge of prostate cancer and other diseases related to the genitourinary system. Meet our staff by clicking here.
Sources and references
- Prostate Cancer – Understand the disease and its treatments; Fred Saad, MD, FRCSC and Michael McCormack, MD, FRCSC, 4th et 5th editions
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Foundation-PCF.org
- National Cancer Institute-USA
- American Cancer Society
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Prostate Cancer UK
Last medical and editorial review: April 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
Approved drugs
Approved drugs
Treatments may aim to cure prostate disease or to halt or alleviate symptoms. You may receive a single treatment or a combination of treatments depending on your specific disease or symptoms, your age, and your overall health. Regarding prostate cancer, treatment will be based on the stage and grade of the disease you have, in other words, on the extent and pace of cancer spread.
This section provides information on medications currently approved by Health Canada. We will update this page as Health Canada approves new molecules for the treatment of prostate-related diseases, including cancer.
Drugs used in hormone therapy
The most common LH-RH analogues are:
- Leuprolide (Lupron, Lupron Depot, Eligard)
- Goserelin (Zoladex)
- Buserelin (Suprefact)
- Triptorelin (Trelstar)
The LH-RH antagonists are:
- Degarelix (Firmagon)
- Relugolix (Orgovyx)
The most common anti-androgens are:
- Bicalutamide (Casodex)
- Flutamide (Euflex)
- Cyproterone acetate (Androcur)
- Nilutamide (Anandron)
New generation of hormone therapy
- Abiraterone acetate (Zytiga)
- Apalutamide (Erleada)
- Enzalutamide (Xtandi)
- Darolutamide (Nubeqa)
Medications used in chemotherapy
- Docetaxel (Taxotere)
- Cabazitaxel (Jevtana)
- Mitoxantrone (Teva)
- Prednisone or Prednisolone
Medications used to treat symptoms related to bone metastases
- Denosumab (Xgeva)
- Zoledronic acid (Zometa)
- Alendronate (Fosamax)
- Pamidronate (Aredia)
Targeted therapies
- Olaparib (Lynparza)
- Niraparib/Abiraterone acetate (Akeega)
- Radium-223 dichloride (Xofigo)
- Lutetium (177Lu) (Pluvicto)
Nuclear imaging
68Ga PSMA PET (Illuccix)
5-α-reductase inhibitors
- Finasteride (Proscar)
- Dutasteride (Avodart)
α-blockers
- Tamsulosin (Flomax)
- Alfuzosin (Xatral)
- Silodosin (Rapaflo)
- Terazosin (Hytrin)
- Doxazosin (Cardura)
Anticholinergics
- Oxybutynin (Ditropan®) & (Ditropan XL®)*
- (Oxytrol®)*
- (Uromax®)
- Oxybutynin chloride gel (Gelnique®)
- Tolterodine (Detrol LA®) & (Detrol®)*
- Trospium chloride (Trosec®)
- Solifenacin (Vesicare®)
- Darifenacin (Enablex®)
- OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®)
- Fesoterodine (Toviaz®)
- Mirabegron (Myrbetriq®)
Tricyclic antidepressants
- Imipramine (Tofranil®)
*Most prescribed medications
Fluoroquinolone – Quinolone
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) & (Cipro XL®)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin®)
- Norfloxacin (Norflox®)
- Ofloxacin (Oflox®)
- Ampicillin
Sulfonamide
- TMP-SMX (Septra DS®)
- TMP (Apo-Trimethoprim®)
Others
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid®)
- Nitrofurantoin (Novo-Furantoin®)
β-lactams
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate K (Clavulin®)
Cephalosporins
- Cefadroxil (Duricef®)
- Cefprozil (Cefzil®)
- Cephalexin (Cephalexin®)
Erectile dysfunction
Inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5 or PDE-5
- Tadalafil
- Vardenafil
- Sildenafil
Penile injections
- Caverject
- TriMix
- QuadMix
MUSE Applicator*
*Out of stock in Canada
Additional Information - Approved drugs
How I coped with prostate cancer
A man with prostate cancer shares the challenges of his cancer experience.
Urologist’s advice: Treatments and information on prostate cancer
Learn more about the role of the urologist and the importance for a patient to gather adequate information after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Prostate cancer: Tests, imaging and biomarkers
Discussion about the variety of approaches available to monitor this disease before, during, or after treatment.
Is prostate cancer hereditary?
Understanding the hereditary and genetic aspects of this disease can provide valuable information to both individuals affected and their families.
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 or experiencing urinary problems? Discover why early screening for prostate diseases is important.
Diagnosis and treatment
Recently diagnosed with cancer? Educate yourself to fully understand your situation.
The role of hormone therapy
Has your doctor recommended hormone therapy? This video is for you!
States of prostate cancer following treatment
Do your recent tests show an increase in PSA levels? It could indicate a recurrence.
Only time will tell whether or not this approach was best for me
by Anonymous, 59 years old In 1996 at the age of 59, at an annual check-up, my PSA reading was found to be 4.3. My doctor referred me to a urologist who suggested a trans-rectal ultrasound and biopsies. The result indicated prostate cancer and a gleason score of 3/10, occupying roughly 10% of sample #3. […]
A prostate cancer odyssey
by J. C. (Jack) Lynch, 65 years old Things were going well in the early ’90s. Our team had won the Quebec Senior Men’s curling championship in 1992; I had helped to sell curling as an official Olympic sport to the International Olympic Committee and I was preparing to go the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 […]
Prevention is the key
by Line Gignac Burns The journey I have had to take with my husband over the past few years has been incredibly instructive and formative. Together, we had to discover the different steps to take with specialists as we learned to deal with my husband’s disease. Our experiences and discoveries all led to the same […]
Active surveillance in 5 points
As surprising as it may seem, your doctor may prefer to wait before starting treatment.
States of prostate cancer post-treatment
Gentlemen, you’re being treated for prostate cancer, and your latest blood tests show an increase in PSA levels?
Your role as a patient
Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer? Your role as a patient is essential throughout your journey.
Me a guinea pig?
Did you know that participating in a clinical trial advances medical science and improves the lot of patients for future generations?
Sources and references
Last medical and editorial review: April 2024. See our web page validation committee and our collaborators by clicking here
Discover our animated video!
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 years old, or have you been having urinary problems for some time now? This video is for you! Several diseases can affect your prostate, and it’s important to detect them early. Let’s take a closer look.
Anatomy
What is the prostate
The prostate is a gland:
- Located between the bladder and the penis, just in front of the rectum;
- Formed of 2 lobes which surround the urethra, a canal that runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder to the penis, letting urine and sperm flow out of the body;
- The size of a walnut, which grows larger in size in your forties;
- That has a soft, spongy texture to the touch like a small, ripe plum.
The prostate is made of:
- Gland cells that secrete liquids for ejaculation;
- Muscle cells that participate in the evacuation of your sperm during ejaculation;
- Fiber cells that maintain the structure of the gland.
Around the prostate, we find:
- The seminal vesicles, glands that produce sperm and that are located on either side of the prostate;
- The vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the seminal vesicles;
- The nerve bundles that control your bladder and erectile function and that are located on either side of your prostate.
Structure
Three main zones of the prostate
Peripheral zone
- The peripheral zone is the largest area of the prostate. It can easily be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Most prostate cancers start in the peripheral zone.
Transition zone
- This is the area located in the middle of the prostate, between the peripheral and central areas. It surrounds your urethra that runs through the prostate.
- With age, the transitional area increases in size until it becomes the largest portion of your prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
Central zone
- It is the part of the prostate that is farthest from the rectum. This is why prostate tumors located in this area can not be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal examination.
- If the doctor is in doubt, the following information will help decide if additional investigation is necessary:
- Your PSA level
- Your age and family history
- Your ethnic origin
Fonction
In short
Your fertility and natural fertilization
- It produces … a prostatic fluid rich in enzymes, proteins and minerals that nourishes and protects your spermatozoa.
- It makes … a protein (APS) that is used to liquefy your sperm to facilitate the mobility of your spermatozoa.
- It allows … ejaculation by contracting.
- It promotes … fertility through its enzymes facilitating the penetration of sperm through the cervix.
- It is not related to the mechanism of erection. Therefore, the origin of erectile dysfunction lies elsewhere.
Additional details
Exocrine Function
The prostate is made up of thousands of tiny fluid-producing glands. Specifically, the prostate is an exocrine gland. Exocrine glands are so-called because they secrete through ducts to the outside of the body (or into a cavity that communicates with the outside). Sweat glands are another example of an exocrine gland.
The fluid that the prostate gland produces forms part of semen, the fluid that carries sperm during orgasm. This fluid, produced in the prostate, is stored with sperm in the seminal vesicles. When the male climaxes, muscular contractions cause the prostate to secrete this fluid into the urethra, where it is expelled from the body through the penis.
Urine Flow
The prostate wraps itself around the urethra as it passes from the bladder to the penis. Prostatic changes can affect urine flow. Increasing the size of the prostate or muscle tone may impede the flow of urine due to the close anatomical relationship between the urethra and the prostate.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
The prostate also produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is released with the ejaculatory fluid and can also be traced in the bloodstream. The testing of PSA levels in the blood is used to detect prostate cancer. The level of PSA in the blood is usually measured in nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood (ng/mL).
A raised PSA level
Usually, a PSA rate of less than 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood is normal, but age should also be taken into consideration as PSA levels gradually increase with age. A rise in PSA concentration may indicate the presence of:
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- An inflammation or infection of the prostate (prostatitis)
- A prostate cancer
Your doctor will have you undergo other tests to determine the exact cause of the increase in your PSA.
We are here for you
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, and those of your family or your loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
Also take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved to advance the cause..
Staying Informed
Pages that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
The latest PROCURE news that might interest you
Every week we publish a blog article. Here are some for you.
The medical content and editorial team at PROCURE
Our team is composed of urologists, and nurses certified in uro-oncology with a deep knowledge of prostate cancer and other diseases related to the genitourinary system. Meet our staff by clicking here.
Sources and references
- Prostate Cancer – Understand the disease and its treatments; Fred Saad, MD, FRCSC and Michael McCormack, MD, FRCSC, 4th et 5th editions
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Foundation-PCF.org
- National Cancer Institute-USA
- American Cancer Society
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Prostate Cancer UK
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
