Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
There are numerous treatments for localized prostate cancer and each has its own benefits and deficiencies. Patients and their physicians must weigh many factors when determining the best treatment option. Age, Gleason score (measures aggressiveness), PSA, lifestyle and quality of life all may be factors in the equation of finding the optimal treatment. Treatments available include:
- High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
- Radical prostatectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Cryotherapy
Some patients choose no treatment at all, called watchful waiting or active surveillance, because of the possible effects of treatment on quality of life.
The information below is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace sound professional medical advice and care. All treatment options and potential outcomes and complications should be discussed with a qualified health care provider.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound with the Sonablate
Sonablate HIFU is a minimally invasive treatment option for prostate cancer that uses a transrectal probe to focus ultrasound waves in the prostate. At a very precise and targeted location, the temperature is rapidly elevated which causes tissue destruction. During HIFU, typically the entire prostate is treated or ablated.
Radical Prostatectomy
A radical prostatectomy is surgery to remove the entire prostate gland, and some of the tissue around it, and may be done by open or laparoscopic surgery. It is used most often if the cancer is not thought to have spread outside of the gland (stage T1 or T2 cancers).
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Radiation is sometimes used as the initial treatment for low-grade cancer that is still confined within the prostate gland or that has only spread to nearby tissue. Two main types of radiation therapy are used: external beam radiation and brachytherapy (internal radiation).
Cryotherapy
Cryosurgery (also called cryotherapy or cryoablation) is used to treat localized prostate cancer by freezing it. In this approach, several hollow probes (needles) are placed through the skin between the anus and scrotum (the perineum). The doctor guides them into the prostate using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Very cold gases are passed through the needles, creating ice balls that destroy the prostate gland.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is also called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or androgen suppression therapy. The goal is to reduce levels of the male hormones, called androgens, in the body. The main androgens are testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgens, produced mainly in the testicles, stimulate prostate cancer cells to grow. Lowering androgen levels often makes prostate cancers shrink or grow more slowly. However, hormone therapy does not cure prostate cancer.
Again, the information is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace sound professional medical advice and care. All treatment options, potential outcomes and complications should be discussed with a qualified health care provider.
