HOW TO TREAT PROSTRATE CANCER ?

There are different methods for treating prostrate cancer. The most appropriate one is determined by the stage and spread of the disease when it was discovered. It also depend upon the need and wish of the patient.

Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy). Common treatment. Incision is made in the lower abdomen or through the perineum to remove the prostate, and its surrounding tissue. Most suitable for healthy men under 70, whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate.

 

Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. A new surgical development, in which a keyhole surgery is done to remove the prostate through smaller incisions and robot-assisted surgery.

 

External beam therapy (EBT). A beam of high-energy x-rays, generated outside the patient is targeted to to the location of the tumor. These destroy the cancer cells and careful planning lets the surrounding normal tissues to be spared. No radioactive sources are placed inside the patient's body.

 

Active Monitoring (Watchful Monitoring). Best for slow-growing tumors, no treatment given. Condition is monitored closely with routine check-ups.

 

Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy. Surgical procedure in which the prostate gland is removed without disturbing the nearby critical nerves sending signals between brain and penis to allow normal sexual functioning.

 

Radiotherapy. Makes use of radiations to destroy cancer cells. These include
Conformal Radiotherapy (CRT)
High-Resolution Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)
Brachy Therapy

Hormone Therapy. Blocks the action of the male sex hormone (testosterone) that helps cancer grow. Slows the growth and spread of prostate tumors but does not kill the cancer cells. Includes

 

 

Chemotherapy. If in any case, t he hormone treatment stops working, then chemotherapy is recommended. Drugs such as docetaxel (Taxotere) are used to destroy cancer cells.

 

Ultrasound (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)). Uses a machine that gives off high frequency sound waves, these are then heated to target the cancer cells and destroys them.

 

Cryotherapy. Uses extremely low temperatures (-190°C) to freeze and destroy cancer cells. Best for those who have a recurrent or refractory prostate cancer.