Radiation Treatments

• Radiation therapy is what is known as a targeted cancer treatment. Rather than affecting the entire body like chemotherapy, it is aimed directly at the site of the cancer.
  
  The most common form of radiation treatment is called external beam radiation therapy. If your oncologist recommends this form of treatment, you will first undergo a computerized tomography (CT) scan, as well as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Together, these scans will provide an accurate picture of the location of your prostate gland. In some facilities, you may also undergo a computerized mapping process that can actually locate the position of your prostate tumors for even more accurate and effective treatment.
  
  Once you complete these imaging procedures, your oncologist will bombard your prostate (or the tumors themselves) with controlled bursts of X-ray radiation to kill cancerous cells. Newer forms of this treatment allow greater control over the intensity of the X-rays, providing even more precise results.
  
  Proton therapy is a newer form of radiation treatment that uses protons of energetic particles to directly target cancerous prostate cells. Typically, this treatment produces much less collateral damage in surrounding prostate tissue than X-rays. While you may be fortunate enough to have access to this treatment, the high cost of the technology has limited the number of facilities where it is available.
  
  A third form of radiation treatment, known as brachytherapy, involves the direct placement of tiny radioactive pellets within the prostate. These pellets gradually release radiation within a limited area, killing off cancerous cells. Within a year or so, all available radiation is released, leaving harmless remnants of the pellets behind.
  
  

Hormone Treatments

• Hormone therapy for prostate cancer involves blocking or limiting the amount of male hormones (androgens) your body produces. Research has shown that these hormones cause prostate cancer cells to accelerate their growth. If your oncologist recommends this form of treatment, you may be given one of several available compounds.
  
  Leuteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists are drugs that can stop testosterone production in the testicles. They are effective, but can actually cause a short rise in testosterone before achieving their task. Examples include goserelin (Zoladex), triptorelin (Trelstar) and leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard).
  
  You may also be given a second compound called an antiandrogen, which can block the reactive relationship between testosterone and prostate cancer cells. Examples include flutamide (Eulexin), nilutamide (Nilandron) and bicalutamide (Casodex). While they are sometimes used on their own, antiandrogens are more effective in combination with LHRH agonists.
  
  

A Word About Side Effects

• Be aware that any treatment option for prostate cancer can involve significant side effects. Consult your oncologist for a thorough explanation of the risks and benefits of any therapy he or she may recommend.