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.