Prostate Cancer - Other Treatment

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may be used alone or combined with hormone treatment or surgery to treat prostate cancer. Like surgery, it is most effective in treating cancer that has not spread outside the prostate. When combined with surgery, radiation is used to destroy any cancer cells that might be left behind and to relieve pain when the cancer has spread.

There are two main types of radiation treatment for prostate cancer:

• External beam radiation, in which a machine aims high-energy X-rays or protons at the cancer from outside the body. External radiation also includes conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, and proton therapy.
  • Conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) uses a three-dimensional planning system to target a strong dose of radiation to the prostate cancer. This helps to protect healthy tissue from radiation.
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) uses a carefully adjusted amount of radiation. This provides even more protection for healthy tissue than conformal radiotherapy.
  • Proton therapy uses a different type of energy (protons) rather than X-rays. This allows a higher amount of specifically directed radiation, which offers the most protection possible to nearby healthy tissue, especially the rectum.¹³ Sometimes proton therapy is combined with X-ray therapy.
• Brachytherapy, in which tiny seeds containing radioactive material are injected directly into or near the cancer and left there. In time, the material loses its radioactivity and the seeds can remain where they are.

Side effects

Radiation treatment may cause erection problems and bladder problems. It sometimes causes diarrhea. The ability to have an erection sometimes returns or at least improves over time. So does the ability to control urination.

Side effects are common. Some men develop long-term problems that may have a big impact on the quality of their lives. Long-term problems that can be caused by radiation treatment include:

• An irritated rectum that can cause an urgent need to pass stool. This is called proctitis.
• An inflamed bladder and urination problems. This is called cystitis.
• An inflamed intestine and diarrhea. This is called enteritis.
• Being unable to have an erection. This is called impotence.
• Being unable to control urination. This is called incontinence.
• Painful urination. This is called dysuria.

Immunotherapy

Researchers also are testing many new ways to treat prostate cancer using the body's immune system to destroy the cancer cells. This type of treatment is called immunotherapy . Much has been learned in the past 20 years about the body's ability to attack prostate cancer cells with help from the outside, and research is still being done in this area. This type of treatment either stimulates your immune system or adds to it, for example, by giving you immune cells from another person.

Complementary therapy

Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, herbs, biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and vitamins, are sometimes used along with medical treatment. Some people feel that they benefit from some of these therapies.

Before you try a complementary therapy, talk to your doctor about its possible value and side effects. Let your doctor know if you are already using any such therapies. Complementary therapies are not meant to take the place of standard medical treatment, but they may improve your quality of life and help you deal with the stress and side effects of cancer treatment.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are being run to find ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat prostate cancer. For example, researchers are studying whether vitamin E and selenium, which is a mineral found in certain foods, can prevent prostate cancer.