Precision Radiation Treatments Offer Non-Surgical Option for Prostate Cancer Treatment

1. Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will find many treatment options exist for this disease. If a curative path is desired that provides the possibility of stopping this form of cancer in its tracks, only two major types of treatment are considered effective. Men will find that only surgery and/or radiation treatment can remove this cancer from the body entirely. Nonsurgical options involving radiation are continuing to expand, offering men a less invasive and lower risk way to fight this disease head on. Traditional radiation treatments are considered highly effective ways to address prostate cancer and prevent its return. These options include external beam radiation and brachytherapy. The former involves external use of radiation to target cancerous cells within the body. The latter involves the implantation of tiny, radioactive seed pellets directly into a tumor itself. Both measures are designed to irradiate cancerous cells while sparing as much nearby healthy tissue as possible. Both have strong track records of success.

2. A relatively new delivery system for radiation therapy may offer some men another alternative to surgery when this disease is diagnosed. Called the CyberKnife, this treatment involves precise application of high-dose radiation directly to a tumor. The end result of this out-patient procedure is irradiation of cancerous cells with a high degree of protection for nearby healthy tissue. Men who choose this option for treatment or other similar radiation treatment paths will find they all provide a less invasive way to battle the disease while potentially removing some of the risks associated with surgery. Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to talk to their doctors about all treatment options. It is important to understand both the potential benefits and risks associated with each treatment option. The best recommendation for addressing a prostate cancer tumor will hinge on such factors as the cancer’s stage, anticipated risk level and other factors related to a man’s personal case.