(NC) — A wise, yet unknown author once wrote, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” For men living with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) – and their families – this sentiment could not ring more true.

A diagnosis of this advanced stage disease means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, and unfortunately, it is ultimately fatal. Supporting these patients as they look towards celebrating another birthday, another dance with their wife, or another fishing excursion with their son or grandson is of utmost importance.

“Men living with advanced prostate cancer and their families experience a burden that many Canadians will never be able to fully understand,” says Jackie Manthorne, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN). “The physical symptoms of the disease, such as pain, mean that not only are these men facing a terminal disease, but they may also be robbed of their quality of life and the ability to fully enjoy the time they have left with their loved ones.”

Patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer face pain and broken bones due to metastasis, which occurs in approximately 90 per cent of patients. This affects men physically, psychologically and socially, compromising life expectancy and quality of life. Approximately 300,000 men develop metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, or mCRPC, each year – these are our fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and uncles.

Treatment of mCRPC has been challenging, as patients eventually progress and develop a resistance to therapy. Now, Health Canada has approved a new therapy, Xtandi (enzalutamide capsules), offering a new option for mCRPC that is used to block androgens and slow or stop the growth of the disease, which may result in tumour shrinkage. Xtandi, an oral, once-daily treatment with no requirement for prednisone, is an androgen receptor inhibitor that's been approved for the treatment of patients with mCRPC in the setting of medical or surgical castration who have received docetaxel treatment.

“While men with this advanced stage of the disease carry a heavy weight, they can be hopeful in having the chance to take part in various activities to ensure lasting memories are created,” says Jackie.

As treatment of mCRPC requires a multi-disciplinary approach, it is important that patients consult with their health team to determine an appropriate treatment strategy.