RADIATION THERAPY

 

If cancer is only found in the prostate gland and it has not spread to other areas, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy or radiotherapy.  Radiation therapy in some cases can be as effective as surgery when it is used during the early stages of cancer.  Often it is the best option for those men who are unable to have surgery because they are older or have other medical problems.

 

While it is considered a good treatment option, it may not kill all of the cancer cells.  There is a small risk that the tumour may grow back over a number of years.

 

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to damage cells and stop them from growing.  There are different ways to administer radiation therapy.

 

External-beam radiation

A special machine is used to direct radiation beams at the tumour and surrounding areas.  The treatment does not hurt and it lasts for only a few minutes.  Usually the duration of treatment is for 6-7 weeks, or 30-35 visits.

 

“Conformal” radiation

This form uses the latest technology to make external beam treatments more accurate by targeting and shaping the radiation beam around the prostate gland.  This applies a greater dose of radiation to the tumour and reduces the damage to healthy tissue around it.  Long-term side effects have also been found to be less severe than with external-beam radiation.

 

Brachytherapy

This is also known as internal radiation therapy.  Small, radioactive seeds are placed directly into your prostate.  The seeds are safe and remain in place.  This delivers a very high does of radiation to the prostate without affecting surrounding tissues.  The seeds do not cause discomfort and will not make you radioactive.

 

Possible Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Radiation can cause some normal, healthy cells to be injured during treatment.  Usually these cells will recover and most side-effects will disappear over time.  Side-effects usually appear during the 3^rd or 4^th week of treatment and can include:

 

• Tiredness – improves after treatment stops

• Rectal Problems – discomfort caused by diarrhea and rectal burning

• Urinary Changes – pain and burning while urinating

• Redness of the skin in the treatment area

• Over time, sexual changes such as a decrease in the amount of fluid ejaculated, or inability to have or maintain an erection