These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Prednisone
Question: Does Prednisone have any indications that it will promote the spread of the disease.
Answer: Prednisone is a glucocorticoid which is generally used as an anti-inflammatory. It has numerous effects on the body in addition to its anti-inflammatory effects. In general, these act to accelerate the aging process. In addition, there is a suppressive effect on the immune system. Prednisone is often used in organ transplant patients for this very effect. Consequently, one could argue that steroids will increase the rate of cancers by decreasing the ability of one’s body to find and kill cancers. While this is probably true, certain patients cannot exist without the effects of prednisone. Prednisone is rarely used without consideration for its potential side effects. It should never be used for long periods without good cause.
