A Renewed Fight as Prostate Cancer Returns
- Baseball legend Ryne Sandberg, 65, is coping with a renewed cancer battle that restarted late last year following a brief period of remission. His cancer is now in stage 4, meaning it’s spread to organs beyond the prostate. He’s since restarted treatment.
- Most prostate cancers are detected through routine screening. Treatment decisions are based on whether the cancer is classified as low, intermediate, or high risk after screening results are evaluated.
- Prostate cancer can experience recurrence, meaning it can return after reaching remission.
- “Prostate cancer can progress rapidly after diagnosis, but can also become undetectable after curative intent radiation or surgery, only to recur years or decades later,” researchers wrote in the journal Cancer Letters.
- Experts believe dormant cancer cells often hide in the bone marrow. A study in the International Journal of Cancer found that “approximately 80% of the men who had died from prostate cancer possessed bone metastases.”
- Treatment options for prostate cancer may include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. These approaches can be effective but may also lead to side effects such as sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
When cancer extends beyond its original site, it’s considered stage 4 or metastatic — a diagnosis that’s incurable but often treatable. For Sandberg, the news marked another challenging chapter in his health journey.
His cancer journey began in retirement. In January 2024, he revealed his diagnosis on Instagram: “I have begun treatment, and I am surrounded by my loving wife Margaret, our incredibly supportive family, the best medical care team, and our dear friends.”
Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Sandberg racked up accolades: nine Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers, a Home Run Derby title, and the 1984 MVP honor, according to Sports Illustrated.
Even after his diagnosis, Sandberg maintained an unwavering sense of optimism. Just four months later, he joyfully announced that scans had returned clear.
“After yesterday’s PET scan and MRI tests, great news today with NO detection of cancer! This is after finishing chemo treatments and heading to radiation for several weeks since the original diagnosis was incurable cancer,” he said at the time.
But remission was short-lived. Sandberg later learned that the cancer had returned and was spreading — prompting a restart in his treatments.
In a July 2025 update, Sandberg remained hopeful and connected to the game that shaped his life:
“I haven’t been to Wrigley Field as much as I hoped in the first half, but I’m watching every game and am excited for the second half and to see Wrigley rocking like 1984! Thank you for all the messages of support. Go Cubs!”
Expert Resources on Prostate Cancer Treatment
Sandberg’s Cancer Battle Enters New Chapter Amid Recurrence
Sandberg’s ongoing battle underscores a difficult reality for many prostate cancer patients: the risk of recurrence. This means the cancer can return even after it is believed to be cured.
According to a study published in the journal Cancer Letters, “Prostate cancer can progress rapidly after diagnosis, but can also become undetectable after curative intent radiation or surgery, only to recur years or decades later.”
Interestingly, recurrence is not all that uncommon. A study published in the medical journal JAMA followed 1,997 men who had undergone prostate removal surgery. Of those, 304 experienced a recurrence—and about 25% of those cases occurred five or more years after surgery.
Researchers believe that dormant cancer cells can hide in the body for years. The bone marrow, in particular, is considered a key hiding place. This is supported by findings published in the International Journal of Cancer, which noted, “In one autopsy study, approximately 80% of the men who had died from prostate cancer possessed bone metastases.”
Other potential reservoirs for dormant cancer cells include the lymph nodes and the prostate bed—the area where the prostate gland once was—though these are more difficult to study.
Why Prostate Cancer Can Return
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding how prostate cancer can spread early—even when it appears to be under control—and then return months or even years later. One key discovery is that the bones are a common site for prostate cancer to spread. In fact, scientists have found dormant cancer cells hiding in the bone marrow of many patients, even when the disease seems confined to the prostate.
Lab studies, mostly using model systems, have also helped uncover how prostate cancer cells can lie dormant for long periods before becoming active again. While treatments like hormone therapy and radiation after surgery have shown promise, experts agree that more research—both in the lab and in clinical trials—is needed to improve outcomes for patients.
Treating Advanced Prostate Cancer: New Options Offer Hope
Being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer can be overwhelming, but there’s encouraging news. Thanks to recent medical advances, patients with late-stage prostate cancer now have more treatment options and renewed hope.
Metastatic prostate cancer, also known as stage 4 prostate cancer, means the disease has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body. Treatment plans vary based on a patient’s overall health and how aggressive the cancer is. Fortunately, new therapies—like PARP inhibitors and next-generation hormone treatments—are expanding the possibilities for care.
“There are two primary situations in which you may be diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer,” explains Dr. Jeff Tosoian, a urologic oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- “There are those who have been treated for local prostate cancer, and it recurs and spreads to other areas.”
- “Or there are folks who never knew they had a localized prostate cancer and present with cancer, both in the prostate and in other places in the body.”
At this stage, some treatments are palliative—focused on relieving symptoms—while others aim to slow or stop the cancer’s growth. Although there is no known cure for stage 4 prostate cancer, ongoing research and clinical trials are offering promising new approaches.
Targeted Therapies and PARP Inhibitors
Targeted therapy is one of the most exciting developments in prostate cancer treatment. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can harm healthy cells, targeted therapies are designed to attack specific cancer-related pathways, often with fewer side effects.
One such approach involves PARP inhibitors. These drugs block a protein called poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, which helps repair damaged DNA.
In healthy cells, PARP repairs DNA damage. But in cancer cells—especially those already weakened by treatment—blocking PARP causes DNA damage to build up, eventually killing the cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy and Bone Protection
When prostate cancer spreads, and surgery is no longer an option, hormone therapy becomes a key treatment. It works by lowering levels of androgens (male hormones like testosterone) that fuel cancer growth.
“The traditional standard of care for metastatic prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy or hormone therapy,” says Dr. Tosoian.
While hormone therapy doesn’t cure the disease, it can help slow its progression and manage symptoms.
Because metastatic prostate cancer often spreads to the bones, it can weaken them and increase the risk of fractures. Doctors may prescribe medications like bisphosphonates to protect bone tissue, reduce pain, and prevent further damage.
A Multi-pronged Approach
Most patients with advanced prostate cancer receive a combination of treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and sometimes surgery. Clinical trials also offer access to cutting-edge therapies that are still being tested but show promise for the future.
Though stage 4 prostate cancer remains a serious diagnosis, the growing number of treatment options means patients have more tools than ever to manage the disease and maintain quality of life.
What to Know About Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early. And thanks to major advances in medical care, even cases diagnosed at more advanced stages can often be effectively managed.
How Prostate Cancer Is Found
Most prostate cancers are detected through routine screening exams. However, prostate cancer doesn’t behave the same way in every man. In some cases, it’s slow-growing and considered “low-risk,” meaning treatment may not be immediately necessary. In others, the cancer can be more aggressive and require prompt intervention. Because of this variability, there’s ongoing debate about when and how often men should be screened.
Who Should Get Screened?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men between the ages of 55 and 69 who are at average risk talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening. Most experts agree that men over 70 generally do not need routine screening.
SurvivorNet experts also advise men to consider personal risk factors—such as family history, genetics, and age—when deciding on a screening plan.
WATCH: What to Look for in Prostate Cancer
Possible Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
While early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, more advanced cases may cause:
- Frequent urination
- Waking up at night to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pain in the back, hips, thighs, or other bones
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor about your risk of developing prostate cancer:
- How does my family history affect my risk of developing prostate cancer?
- Are there tests available to determine my genetic risk of developing prostate cancer?
- Based on my history, genetic test results, and other factors, when do you recommend I begin screening for prostate cancer?
- How can I prepare for prostate cancer screening?
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
