Radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer

Radiation therapy is aimed at destroying cancer cells and preventing them from growing or destroying them. Cancer cells divide quickly, so it is more vulnerable than the surrounding normal cells. Clinical trials aimed at using radiation to treat localized prostate cancer. This test shows that radiation therapy results in a 10-year survival equivalent to that of surgery.

Some preliminary studies noted a higher risk of catastrophe, such as incontinence and impotence due to surgery compared to radiation. However, more data is needed to assess the risks and benefits of radiation therapy for more than 10 years. In particular, cancer recurrence can sometimes occur after radiation therapy.

Radiation and surgery in the treatment of prostate cancer also depend on the patient's choice, age, other comorbidities as well as the extent of cancer. About 30% of patients with localized prostate cancer are treated with radiation therapy. Doctors sometimes combine radiotherapy with surgery or hormone therapy to work better for patients with early or late stage cancer.

The patient has 2 options. One is external radiotherapy for a period of 6 to 7 weeks, using high-energy X-rays directly directed at the tumor. The other is internal radiotherapy, that is, insert radioactive material directly into the prostate gland with a needle through the prostate gland under ultrasound guidance.

Theoretically, internal radiotherapy is more beneficial in addition to the radiation that is directed at the tumor, minimizing damage to nearby tissues and organs. However, so far there has not been a study comparing the benefits of internal and external radiotherapy.