What is the primary treatment for advanced prostate cancer?

The primary treatment for advanced prostate cancer focuses on managing the disease's hormonal environment, given that prostate cancer growth is often driven by androgens like testosterone. Antiandrogens, which block the effects of these hormones, play a crucial role in the management of advanced cases. They help to slow the progression of the disease and can be used in conjunction with other treatments for a more comprehensive approach.

While surgical intervention and radiation therapy are important in the treatment of localized or earlier-stage prostate cancer, they are typically not the primary approaches for advanced stages. Immunotherapy has shown potential in various cancers but is not the standard first-line treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Therefore, antiandrogens are recognized as the most effective primary treatment option in advanced cases, making them the most appropriate choice in this context.