Prostate Cancer Treatments

Prostate cancer surgery, known as a radical prostatectomy, involves removing the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissues. This procedure is typically recommended for men with localized prostate cancer who are in good overall health. Surgical options include traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery. The choice of surgical technique depends on various factors, such as the size and location of the tumor, the surgeon's expertise, and available technology.

Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, uses various forms of radiation to safely and effectively treat prostate cancer. The goal of radiation is to kill the tumor while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Radiation therapy can be given externally (directed from outside the body) or internally (placed inside the body). Radiation is a key option for those with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer, but may also be used to relieve pain from bone metastases.

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive, experimental procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer. It destroys prostate cancer cells through precise and focused ultrasound energy, or sound waves. Ultrasound may be a treatment option for patients whose prostate cancer is considered low- to intermediate-risk and is confined to the prostate.

Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation or cryosurgery, is a prostate cancer treatment option that involves freezing the prostate tissue to destroy cancer cells. This minimally invasive procedure may be suitable for men with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. While cryotherapy is not as common as other prostate cancer treatments like surgery or radiation therapy, it may be an option for certain patients. Your healthcare team will consider factors such as the stage and grade of your cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences when determining if cryotherapy is appropriate for you.

Prostate cancer cells typically rely on male hormones (androgens) like testosterone to grow. Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), hormone deprivation therapy, or hormone suppression therapy, aims to reduce androgen levels in the body, slowing or stopping cancer growth. Hormone therapy is especially important for those with advanced disease, whose cancer has returned (recurrence) after surgery or radiation, or whose cancer is considered high-risk for metastasis (spread).

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. It is typically reserved for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland and is no longer responding to hormone therapy. Chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously (through the veins) or orally (as a pill), depending on the drug, and in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by rest periods.

Immunotherapy is a relatively new approach to treating prostate cancer that harnesses the power of the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. The most common type of immunotherapy for prostate cancer is the vaccine Sipuleucel-T (Provenge), which is designed to stimulate the immune system to target and attack prostate cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be an option for men with advanced prostate cancer who have limited treatment options.

Radiopharmaceutical therapy (molecular radiotherapy) is a targeted prostate cancer treatment that delivers radiation directly to tumor cells using a radioactive drug. This innovative approach minimizes radiation exposure to healthy tissue and may be suitable for advanced prostate cancer cases. The benefits of radiopharmaceutical therapy include its precision in targeting cancer cells, the ability to treat tumors that have spread to multiple areas of the body, and the potential for fewer side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy.

Targeted therapy drugs specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. These medications work by interfering with specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. A targeted therapy approach is a form of personalized cancer treatment, also known as precision medicine, and may have fewer side effects than other treatments. For prostate cancer, targeted therapy options include PARP inhibitors, PSMA targeted therapy, radioligand therapy, and others. Targeted therapy may be used in combination with other treatments, such as hormone therapy or chemotherapy, to improve outcomes for men with advanced prostate cancer.

A clinical trial is a research study investigating experimental treatment to see if it is safe to use and effective in fighting a disease. Clinical trials are offered across all stages of disease, but they can be an important option for advanced prostate cancer patients in particular. All treatments used today for prostate cancer are available because of past clinical trials.

It's important to ask and learn about clinical trials when you are making a treatment decision. Find out if one might be an option for you or your loved one.