Prostate Cancer Treatment

 Your doctor may refer you to an Oncologist for treatment.  An oncologist is a doctor with special training in cancer and cancer treatments.  Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, your age, and overall health.  In select cases, men with very slow growing prostate cancer that are older or have other major health problems may forgo treatment initially.  Instead, doctors closely monitor their cancer growth and symptoms.  Prostate cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, hormone therapy, and in some cases, chemotherapy.
 
Radical prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) are the most common surgeries for prostate cancer.  A radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate gland and some of the tissue around it in an attempt to cure the cancer.  This surgery is most appropriate for prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland.  There are different types of radical prostatectomy surgeries and your doctor will help you decide which approach is best for you. 

The goal of TURP surgery is to relieve the symptoms associated with prostate cancer, such as urination difficulties, but its goal is not to cure the cancer.  TURP surgery removes cancerous tissue in the prostate to reduce pressure on the urethra, making urination easier.  The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis.
 
The goal of radiation therapy may be curative.  Radiation therapy may be used for low-grade cancer that has not spread or that has only spread to nearby tissues.  It may also be used to shrink the size of advanced cancer tumors.  External beam radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy or shrink cancer cells.  This type of treatment is similar to a regular x-ray and is done on an outpatient basis.  Men usually receive five treatments per week for several weeks.
 
Another type of radiation therapy uses internal radiation called brachytherapy.  For this approach, tiny radioactive pellets, referred to as seeds, are placed in the prostate.  There are different types of brachytherapy.  Some use seeds with stronger radioactive substances than others do.  Some seeds may be left in the prostate permanently and others are removed after a short period of time.
 
Cryosurgery may be used to treat prostate cancer by freezing the cancer cells.  Cryosurgery is only used for cancer that has not spread.  For this method, probes are placed in the prostate that secrete cold gases which destroy the prostate gland. 
 
Hormone therapy is another treatment option for some types of prostate cancer.  The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the level of male hormones, androgens, which cause prostate cancer cells to grow.  Lowering androgen levels can cause prostate cancer to grow more slowly or shrink the size of a tumor; however, hormone therapy cannot cure the cancer.  Hormone therapy is most appropriate for men that are not good candidates for surgery or radiation therapy.  There are several types of hormone therapies including orchiectomy, luteinizing hormone-releasing (LHRH) analog treatments, and antiandrogen treatments.
 
Orchiectomy is a surgery that removes both of the testicles.  The testicles are removed because they are the main source of male hormone production.  LHRH analogs are drugs given as shots every few months.  They lower the male hormone levels and are an alternative to orchiectomy.  Antiandrogen drugs block the body’s ability to produce male hormones.  They are sometimes used in conjunction with orchiectomy or LHRH analog treatment. 
 
Chemotherapy uses cancer-fighting drugs to destroy cancer cells.  Chemotherapy is not usually used as an early treatment for prostate cancer or as a cure for prostate cancer.  It is sometimes used when the prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland.  Chemotherapy can help slow prostate cancer growth, reduce pain, and prolong life.
 
In addition to treating prostate cancer, your doctor can also provide treatments to reduce your pain or other symptoms.  You should discuss any concerns or symptoms with your doctor.  There are many types of pain treatments that may help to improve the quality of your life.
 
Overall, men treated for prostate cancer that has not spread or has spread only to nearby areas have very good survival rates.  Each man’s situation is unique.  You should ask your doctor what you may expect regarding cure and survival rates.
 
The experience of prostate cancer and cancer treatments can be an emotional process for men with cancer and their loved ones.  It is important that you receive emotional support.  Some people find comfort in their family, friends, co-workers, and place of worship.  Cancer support groups are another good option.  They can be a good source of information and support from people who understand what you are experiencing.  Ask your doctor about cancer support group locations in your area.