Treatment FAQ

which treatment is best for prostate cancer

by Jo Champlin Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Radiation therapy is a good choice for many men with early-stage prostate cancer. It is also the best treatment for older men or those who have other health problems. There are different types of radiation therapy: External beam radiation.

Medication

Radiation therapy is a good choice for many men with early-stage prostate cancer. It is also the best treatment for older men or those who have other health problems. There are different types of radiation therapy: nExternal beam radiation. In this type of radiation therapy, a machine aims radiation at your cancer.

Procedures

Depending on each case, treatment options for men with prostate cancer might include: Observation or Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer. Surgery for Prostate Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer. Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer.

Therapy

A transrectal biopsy is used to diagnose prostate cancer. A transrectal biopsy is the removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the rectum and into the prostate. This procedure may be done using transrectal ultrasound or transrectal MRI to help guide where samples of tissue are taken from.

Self-care

Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate as well as the surrounding tissue. Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer. There are two types of radiation therapy— External radiation therapy. A machine outside the body directs radiation at the cancer cells. Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy).

Nutrition

Jan 19, 2022 · For people with localized prostate cancer, there are four main treatment options: 1) Active surveillance: This is when your care team monitors your prostate cancer and delays more intensive therapy. It’s an option for low-risk prostate cancer . 2) Surgery: Radical prostatectomy is when a surgeon removes the prostate.

Which is treatment for prostate cancer has the least side effects?

Most doctors believe that surgery, external radiation, and brachytherapy all have about the same cure rates for the earliest stage prostate cancers. However, each type of treatment has risks and benefits that should be considered.

What are the best options for treating prostate cancer?

What foods help prostate cancer?

How beneficial are alternative treatments for prostate cancer?

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Which prostate cancer treatment has least side effects?

HIFU allows men to avoid or live without such side effects for a period of time if they are ever to require whole gland treatment in the future. How patients recover: Done under general anesthesia, this is a well-tolerated outpatient procedure. It doesn't require hormone therapy or radiation.Oct 19, 2017

What is the best thing to do for prostate cancer?

Depending on each case, treatment options for men with prostate cancer might include:Observation or Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer.Surgery for Prostate Cancer.Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer.Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer.Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer.Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer.More items...

Can prostate cancer be treated successfully?

The short answer is yes, prostate cancer can be cured, when detected and treated early. The vast majority of prostate cancer cases (more than 90 percent) are discovered in the early stages, making the tumors more likely to respond to treatment. Treatment doesn't always have to mean surgery or chemotherapy, either.

Which is better for prostate cancer surgery or radiation?

Radiation may be a better choice for men who want to avoid the side effects of surgery, such as leaking urine and erection problems. It may be a better choice for men who have other health problems that make surgery too risky. You avoid the risks of major surgery.

What is the newest treatment for prostate cancer?

The treatment is called lutetium-177-PSMA-617, or LuPSMA, and it has two components: a compound that targets a cancer cell protein called prostate-specific membrane antigen, or PSMA, and a radioactive particle that destroys the cells. Healthy prostate cells don't contain PSMA, or do at very low levels.Jul 12, 2021

What are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland and may spread to other organs. 5 Warning signs are bone pain, compression of the spine, Painful urination, erectile dysfunction, and blood in the urine.

What is the injection given for prostate cancer?

LHRH agonists are given by injection or are implanted under the skin. Four LHRH agonists are approved to treat prostate cancer in the United States: leuprolide (Lupron), goserelin (Zoladex), triptorelin (Trelstar), and histrelin (Vantas).Feb 22, 2021

Can you live 20 years with prostate cancer?

Men with prostate cancer that is localized to the prostate or just nearby. These men have a high long-term survival rate for their prostate cancer. Almost all will survive their prostate cancer for longer than five years -- and well beyond for many men.Mar 1, 2022

At what age is prostate cancer not treated?

Men between 60 and 69 years of age were more likely to receive radiation therapy than radical prostatectomy. Men between 70 and 79 years were most likely to receive no therapy, and nearly all men over 80 years received no therapy.

What is the success rate of prostate surgery?

Overall, the outcome following surgery is favorable, with disease-specific survival rates of 90% or more at 10 years....Table 1.Progression-Free*Finding at Radical ProstatectomySurvival at 10 years (%)Positive margins55Gleason score2–4967 more rows

Which is better radiation or surgery?

"We have evaluated all the good-quality data comparing surgery and radiotherapy, and the results are pretty conclusive; in general, surgery results in better mortality rates than radiotherapy."Dec 14, 2015

Which Treatments Are Used For Prostate Cancer?

Depending on each case, treatment options for men with prostate cancer might include: 1. Watchful waiting or active surveillance 2. Surgery 3. Radi...

Which Doctors Treat Prostate Cancer?

The main types of doctors who treat prostate cancer include: 1. Urologists: surgeons who treat diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive...

Making Treatment Decisions

It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decisi...

Help Getting Through Treatment

Your cancer care team will be your first source of information and support, but there are other resources for help when you need it. Hospital- or c...

What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?

Depending on each case, treatment options for men with prostate cancer might include: Observation or Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer. Surgery for Prostate Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer. Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer.

What kind of doctor treats prostate cancer?

The main types of doctors who treat prostate cancer include: 1 Urologist: A surgeons who treat diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system (including the prostate) 2 Radiation oncologist: A doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy 3 Medical oncologist: A doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy

Why are clinical trials important?

Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they're not right for everyone.

What is the name of the doctor who treats cancer?

Urologist: A surgeons who treat diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system (including the prostate) Radiation oncologist: A doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy. Medical oncologist: A doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy.

Is treatment information given here official policy of the American Cancer Society?

The treatment information given here is not official policy of the American Cancer 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.

What do people with cancer need?

People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.

What is the number to call for cancer treatment?

Call our National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-227-2345 and speak with one of our trained specialists. Palliative Care. Find Support Programs and Services in Your Area.

What is done after prostate cancer diagnosis?

After prostate cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the prostate or to other parts of the body.

Why is it important to know the stage of prostate cancer?

The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment. The results of the tests used to diagnose prostate cancer are often also used to stage the disease. (See the General Information section .)

What are the signs of prostate cancer?

Signs of prostate cancer include a weak flow of urine or frequent urination. Tests that examine the prostate and blood are used to diagnose prostate cancer.

How does chemo work?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body ( systemic chemotherapy ).

Why do we do clinical trials?

Clinical trials are done to find out if new cancer treatments are safe and effective or better than the standard treatment.

What is the most common cancer in older men?

Anatomy of the male reproductive and urinary systems, showing the prostate, testicles, bladder, and other organs. Prostate cancer is most common in older men. In the U.S., about 1 out of 5 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

How does laser therapy work?

A cancer treatment that uses a drug and a certain type of laser light to kill cancer cells. A drug that is not active until it is exposed to light is injected into a vein. The drug collects more in cancer cells than in normal cells. Fiberoptic tubes are then used to carry the laser light to the cancer cells, where the drug becomes active and kills the cells. Photodynamic therapy causes little damage to healthy tissue. It is used mainly to treat tumors on or just under the skin or in the lining of internal organs.

What is the procedure to remove prostate cancer?

Surgery. A prostatectomy is an operation where doctors remove the prostate. Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate as well as the surrounding tissue. Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer. There are two types of radiation therapy—. External radiation therapy.

What is the best way to monitor prostate cancer?

Closely monitoring the prostate cancer by performing prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exam (DRE) tests and prostate biopsies regularly , and treating the cancer only if it grows or causes symptoms. Surgery.

How does ultrasound help with cancer?

High-intensity focused ultrasound. This therapy directs high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) at the cancer to kill cancer cells.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine are medicines and health practices that are not standard cancer treatments. Complementary medicine is used in addition to standard treatments, and alternative medicine is used instead of standard treatments. Meditation, yoga, and supplements like vitamins and herbs are some examples.

Why is hormone therapy used for prostate cancer?

Hormone therapy is often used to treat advanced prostate cancer to shrink the cancer and slow its growth. Hormone therapy is sometimes used before radiation therapy to treat cancer that hasn't spread beyond the prostate. It helps shrink the cancer and increases the effectiveness of radiation therapy.

What is the best way to monitor prostate cancer?

In active surveillance, regular follow-up blood tests, rectal exams and prostate biopsies may be performed to monitor progression of your cancer. If tests show your cancer is progressing, you may opt for a prostate cancer treatment such as surgery or radiation.

What is a digital rectal exam?

During a digital rectal exam, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum and feels the back wall of the prostate gland for enlargement, tenderness, lumps or hard spots. Testing healthy men with no symptoms for prostate cancer is controversial.

How does cryoablation work for prostate cancer?

Cryoablation or cryotherapy for prostate cancer involves using a very cold gas to freeze the prostate tissue. The tissue is allowed to thaw and the procedure repeats. The cycles of freezing and thawing kill the cancer cells and some surrounding healthy tissue. Heating prostate tissue.

What does it mean when your PSA is high?

However, if a higher than usual level is found, it may indicate prostate infection, inflammation, enlargement or cancer.

How does immunotherapy work?

Immunotherapy uses your immune system to fight cancer. Your body's disease-fighting immune system may not attack your cancer because the cancer cells produce proteins that help them hide from the immune system cells. Immunotherapy works by interfering with that process.

Can prostate cancer cause anxiety?

Nearly everyone diagnosed with cancer experiences some distress at some point. If you're distressed, you may feel sad, angry or anxious.

Getting help with treatment decisions

Making such a complex decision is often hard to do by yourself. You might find it helps to talk with your family and friends before making a decision. You might also find it helpful to speak with other men who have faced or are currently facing the same issues.

Some things to consider when choosing among treatments

Before deciding on treatment, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatments include chemotherapy, medications to stop hormone activity, radiation therapy, and surgery. These can be used alone or in combinations to treat cancer.
Medication

Hormone therapy - Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists: Drugs to prevent production of the hormone testosterone.

Leuprorelin . Goserelin . Triptorelin


Anti-androgens: Drugs to prevent testosterone from reaching cancer cells.

Bicalutamide . Nilutamide


Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells.

Taxotere . Cabazitaxel

Procedures

Radical prostatectomy: Removal of prostate gland, surrounding tissues, and lymph nodes by making small incisions in the lower abdomen.

Orchiectomy: Removing the testicles to reduce testosterone levels in the body.

Cryoablation: Freezing the prostate tissue to kill cancer cells.

Therapy

Radiation therapy:Uses high energy rays to kill cancer cells.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

Take medications as prescribed, follow up regularly, remain physically active.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • NA

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Urologist
Specializes in the urinary tract disease.
Oncologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Your prostate cancer treatment options depend on several factors, such as how fast your cancer is growing, whether it has spread and your overall health, as well as the potential benefits or side effects of the treatment.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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