Targeted treatments for prostate cancer

Targeted treatments are medicines that work on specific features of cancer cells. They are designed to target changes that are found in some prostate cancer cells, rather than affecting many healthy cells as chemotherapy can.

These treatments only work if your cancer has the specific feature they target. Your doctor may therefore recommend tests to find out whether your cancer is likely to respond to a targeted treatment. Targeted treatments can still cause side effects.

Targeted treatments are mainly used for:

• Prostate cancer that has spread (metastatic prostate cancer)
• Cancer that is no longer responding to hormone therapy (sometimes called castration-resistant prostate cancer)

They may be given:

• After hormone therapy
• Alongside other treatments for advanced disease

Before starting certain targeted treatments, your doctor may recommend blood tests or tests on your tumour tissue. These tests look for specific genetic changes that can show whether the treatment is likely to work for you.

Targeted treatments are part of modern treatment for advanced prostate cancer. They are not recommended for localised prostate cancer outside of clinical trials.

Your doctor will explain whether this type of treatment is suitable for you and how it fits into your overall treatment plan.

This chapter contains general information about targeted treatments for prostate cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

The creation of this chapter was funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Its content has been independently developed and approved by the EAU Patient Office.

Last updated: April 2026

Reviewed by: 

• Mr. Eamonn Rogers (EAU Patient Office Chairman)
• Dr. Erik Briers (EAU Patient Office EPAG)
• Dr. Nikolaos Grivas (EAU Guidelines Panel on Prostate Cancer)
• Prof. Phil Cornford (EAU Guidelines Panel on Prostate Cancer)