How is prostate cancer treated?
To treat localized prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread), doctors use one of three methods : Surgery (prostatectomy); Radiation therapy (including brachytherapy); Watchful waiting (expectant management). Generally, prostate surgery is preferred for younger men if they don’t have other significant health problems. Radiation therapy is is an alternative to surgery and in particular for men who are at greater risk for complications from a major operation. Watchful waiting is most appropriate for older men with less aggressive, low-grade, slow-growing cancers as these men are likely to die from other illnesses before needing treatment for their cancer. No two men with prostate cancer are the same. Some are old, some are young. Some have serious health problems, some are well. Some have fast-growing cancers, others have cancers that grow more slowly. All of these things affect the decision about how to treat a man who has prostate cancer.
There are a number of ways of treating prostate cancer. The choice of treatment is based on many factors including the age of the patient, his general health, the spread and aggressiveness of the cancer, and the patient’s preferences. The various options, their expected benefits and possible risks should be thoroughly discussed with the doctor and the patient’s family. • In the early stages, local therapies such as surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy) and radiation therapy may be used to eradicate the tumour. These therapies are associated with high (90% and more) cure rates when the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. • Hormonal manipulation or chemotherapy may treat metastatic cancer of the prostate. There are others options available to patients depending on the situation. Be sure your doctor discusses all the treatments that are applicable in your case.
This information represents the views of the doctors and nurses serving on the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Database Editorial Board. These views are based on their interpretation of studies published in medical journals, as well as their own professional experience. The treatment information in this document is not official policy of the Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor. Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these general treatment options. Don’t hesitate to ask him or her questions about your treatment options. Some general comments about treatment There is a lot for you to think about when choosing the best way to treat or manage your cancer. There may be more than one treatment to choose from. You may feel that you need to make a decision quickly. But give your
Several options are available to treat prostate cancer. Because some men have aggressive forms of prostate cancer, while others have slow-growing cancer, patients should consult their physician to determine which treatment is most effective for the particular stage of their disease. Ideally, the treatment sought for prostate cancer should cure the disease, be easily tolerated and cause minimal problems for the patient for the remainder of his life.
There are a wide variety of treatment options available for men with prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy, any or all of which might be used at different times depending on the stage of disease and the need for treatment. Consultation with all three types of prostate cancer specialists—a urologist, a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist—will offer the most comprehensive assessment of the available treatments and expected outcomes. Visit the Treatment section for more information.
