Treatments for Localized Prostate Cancer
Treatments for localized or early stage prostate cancer include active surveillance, surgery, and radiation. Focal therapy might also be an option.
Early stage, or localized, prostate cancer refers to cancer that is still confined to the prostate—either Stage I or Stage II. If you have been diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer you will be able to choose which kind of treatment is best for you. You have time to do the research you need to make the right decision for you. Consider including those you love and respect as part of your journey, as they can provide support, insight, and help.
While all prostate cancer treatment can have side effects, the most common side effects of surgery and radiation are erectile dysfunction (loss of erections) and urinary incontinence (leaking urine). It is important to talk with your doctor to understand potential side effects of each treatment option available to you. Ask your doctor questions and try to talk to other men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Most common treatment options
Most men with early stage prostate cancer have several treatment options. The most common treatment options for early stage, or localized, prostate cancer include:
Active surveillance
Active surveillance is the close monitoring of the status of low-risk prostate cancer through regular office visits and repeat medical tests, such as the PSA test and the prostate biopsy. Learn more.
Surgery (Prostatectomy)
Surgery usually involves a radical prostatectomy, which is the removal of the entire prostate by a surgeon. Learn more.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses radiation to destroy the cancer cells in the prostate while leaving the prostate in the body. Learn more about the different types of radiation therapy.
Difference between treatment options for localized prostate cancer
Dr. Shaakir Hasan dives into the different treatment options for localized cancer including active surveillance, surgery, and radiation. Learn about the pros and cons of these treatments.
Other experimental treatment options
Active surveillance, surgery, and radiation remain the standard treatment for localized prostate cancer. However, there are several experimental treatment options that have emerged, many of which are still under study.
Which treatment is best for you?
Your treatment options will depend on many factors, most importantly the characteristics of your cancer, including stage, grade, and risk category. Other factors that are unique to you include:
- Other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions
- Previous prostate surgery
- Age
- Your personal preferences
Get a second opinion
Asking for a second opinion is common practice. Gathering more knowledge about your diagnosis and the available treatment options may help you feel more comfortable with the decisions you make.
At ZERO, we suggest that anyone diagnosed with prostate cancer consider having a consultation with a medical oncologist before making treatment decisions, particularly if you have high risk disease. While your treatment will most likely be managed by a urologist or radiation oncologist, meeting with a medical oncologist will help you to have a full picture of all treatment options available to you. This is especially important should your cancer return at some point in the future.
Learn about side effects
All treatment options have side effects that can impact your quality of life. Two of the most common are urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Before deciding on a treatment, talk with your doctor and learn about possible side effects and how to manage them.
Want to learn more?
Visit the webinars and videos section of our website to find upcoming webinars as well as more educational videos about prostate cancer, treatment options, side effects, and treatment advances.