NON
SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
Radiation
Radiation can be used to treat prostate cancer and can
be delivered using seeds implanted into the prostate (brachytherapy)
or radiation beamed at the prostate (IMRT). Radiation
Therapy uses high-energy rays to kill prostate cancer
cells. It
has the advantages of being outpatient; however, if radiation
results in side effects they are often permanent and not
correctable, and if radiation fails there is little room
for a second shot at cure (you cannot radiate again and
you most often cannot do surgery.)
Medication
Hormone Therapy is typically reserved for patients whose
prostate cancer has already spread to the lymph nodes,
bones, or both. Hormone therapy is used to decrease the
production of testosterone which temporarily slows the
cancer cell growth. Side effects can include hot flashes,
depression, fatigue, and impotence.
Watchful
Waiting
Watchful Waiting involves simply observing prostate cancer
once it is diagnosed and not treating it. This is an approach
most often used in men with a life expectance of less
than 10 years or older men with very slow growing tumors. |
