Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Following your diagnosis of prostate cancer, you and your physician will evaluate your treatment options. These options may include:
Radiation Therapy: The use of high energy radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy that may be used in treatment of prostate cancer.
External Radiation: Radiation comes from a large machine outside the body. Treatments are usually five days a week for several weeks. CARTI has been treating prostate patients with IMRT since 2001.
Internal Radiation: A physician places tiny bits of radioactive material, called "seeds", into the prostate gland. The seeds give off radiation for months and do not need to be removed. CARTI has the largest Prostate Seed Implant program with published results as far back as 1992.
Surgery: The surgical removal of all or part of the prostate. In some cases, the physician may use a method known as nerve-sparing surgery that may save the nerves that control erection.
Hormone Therapy: Using either drugs or surgery, hormone therapy keeps prostate cells from getting the male hormones, called androgens, they need to grow.
Watchful Waiting: This treatment option is sometimes used if the risks and possible side effects of other forms of treatment outweigh the possible benefits.
The options available will depend on the extent of your disease and the type of cancer cells that have been found. Your physician will discuss those issues with you when a recommendation is made for the best treatment for your situation.
