Prostate Cancer Treatments You Should Know About

 Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects millions of men around the world. When caught early, prostate cancer can be treated and managed effectively, but the best treatment varies from person to person. Work with your doctor to choose the right treatment for you.

Watchful Waiting or Active Surveillance

Watchful waiting or active surveillance is a treatment approach where your doctor closely monitors your tumor and its growth before deciding on any treatment. This option is often recommended for men with low-risk prostate cancer, as the tumor may grow slowly and may not require immediate treatment. With active surveillance, you will receive regular checkups and tests to keep track of the cancer's progression.

Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment for prostate cancer, especially for those with early-stage, localized tumors. The most common type of surgery for prostate cancer is called a radical prostatectomy, where the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue are removed. It can have side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and is often used for localized tumors or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy: external and internal (brachytherapy). External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to direct the rays toward the cancer, while internal radiation therapy involves placing small radioactive "seeds" inside or near the cancer.

Proton Beam Radiation

Proton beam radiation is a specialized form of radiation therapy that uses tiny particles to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used for localized tumors or after surgery. Proton beam radiation is a relatively new treatment and is not widely available.

Radiopharmaceuticals

Radiopharmaceuticals, also known as medicinal radio-compounds, are pharmaceutical drugs infused with radioactive substances. They can help manage castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer.

Hormone Therapy

Prostate cancer cells need male hormones to grow, so hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy, works by blocking testosterone or lowering its levels to slow down or stop cancer growth. This treatment is often used in combination with other therapies.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves taking medication orally or through an IV to attack cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is often used for prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate and is not responding to hormone therapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer. It is often used to treat advanced prostate cancer that is not responding to hormone therapy. This treatment is still in the early stages of development and is not widely available.

Bisphosphonate Therapy

Bisphosphonate therapy helps ease pain and prevent fractures in men with prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. It works by strengthening the bones and reducing the risk of bone complications.

Cryotherapy or Cryosurgery

Cryotherapy or cryosurgery involves freezing and destroying cancer cells in the prostate. It is usually used for early-stage prostate cancer and is not as commonly used as other treatment options.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) uses sound waves to deliver heat energy to kill cancer cells. It’s not widely available and is considered a non-standard treatment option.

When choosing a treatment option, it's essential to consider the risks, potential side effects, and your overall health and preferences. Discussing your options with your doctor can help you choose the best treatment plan. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your chances of successfully managing prostate cancer.