Metastatic prostate cancer
Metastatic prostate cancer means the cancer has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body. It is sometimes called advanced prostate cancer. It most commonly spreads to lymph nodes in other parts of the body or to the bones. It can also spread to other organs such as the lungs.
Locally advanced prostate cancer is different to advanced prostate cancer.
Locally advanced cancer means that the cancer has spread into nearby tissue and around the prostate. It may have spread into the:
tissue around the prostate
the tubes that carry semen - these are the seminal vesicles
body organs nearby such as the back passage or bladder
lymph nodes close to the prostate gland
Find out more about locally advanced prostate cancer
Prostate cancer can spread anywhere but most commonly spreads to the:
bones
lymph nodes
liver
lungs
Your doctor will arrange some scans and tests if you have symptoms that could be due to metastatic prostate cancer. They will also examine you and find out how you are feeling.
Find out about the symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer
You might have tests to help diagnose metastatic prostate cancer. These can be similar to tests to diagnose prostate cancer, so you might have had some of them before.
Find out more about tests to check for prostate cancer
Unfortunately, when prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it can no longer be cured. But treatment can control it for some time and help to relieve symptoms.
Finding out that your cancer can’t be cured is distressing and can be a shock. It’s common to feel uncertain and anxious. It's normal not to be able to think about anything else.
Lots of information and support are available to you, your family and your friends. It can help to find out more about your cancer and the treatments you might have. Many people find that knowing more about their situation can help them cope.
Talk to your doctor or nurse to understand:
what your diagnosis means
what is likely to happen
what treatment is available
how treatment can help you
You and your family will be looked after by a team of healthcare professionals who can support you.
Find out more about coping with metastatic prostate cancer
Many people want to know what the outlook is and how their cancer will develop. This is different for each person. Your cancer specialist has all the information about you and your cancer. They're the best person to discuss this with.
You can also talk to your specialist nurse.
For information and support, you can phone the Cancer Research UK nurses on 0808 800 4040, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Last reviewed: 21 Jul 2025
Next review due: 21 Jul 2028
The symptoms of metastatic or advanced prostate cancer depend on where the cancer has spread to. They might include bone pain and tiredness.
Metastatic prostate cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Treatment options include chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
You have a number of tests to check for prostate cancer. These may include a digital rectal examination, a PSA blood test, scans and a biopsy.
Doctors use Grade Groups and other information to divide prostate cancer into 5 groups called the the Cambridge Prognostic Group (CPG). The stage tells you the size of the cancer and whether it has spread.
Get practical and emotional support to help you cope with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, and life during and after treatment.
Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is found at the base of the bladder and is about the size of a walnut.
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