Prostate Cancer Treatment Overview

Prostate Cancer
Treatment Guide™

Treatment
Description
Prostate Cancer
Patient Profile
Prostate Cancer
Treatments
Prostate Cancer
Survival Rates
Prostate Cancer
Side Effects

Brachytherapy

Prostate Brachytherapy

Minimally invasive radiation therapy implants low or high dose radiation (LDR or HDR) seeds in the prostate. Prostate Brachytherapy

Minimally invasive radiation therapy implants low or high dose radiation (LDR or HDR) seeds in the prostate.

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Prostate Seed Implant

Brachytherapy seeds are more effective for younger patients in good health with localized prostate cancer. Prostate Seed Implant

Brachytherapy seeds are more effective for younger patients in good health with localized prostate cancer.

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Prostate Seed Implant

Minimally invasive surgery lasts 1-2 hours with a possible overnight stay; most return to normal activities in a few days. Prostate Seed Implant

Minimally invasive surgery lasts 1-2 hours with a possible overnight stay; most return to normal activities in a few days.

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Brachytherapy
Survival Rates

Multiple long-term brachytherapy studies have found recurrence-free survival rates of 77 to 93%. Brachytherapy
Survival Rates

Multiple long-term brachytherapy studies have found recurrence-free survival rates of 77 to 93%.

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Brachytherapy
Side Effects

Possible bleeding at the minimally invasive site, blood in the urine, scrotal burning, incontinence, or impotence. Brachytherapy
Side Effects

Possible bleeding at the minimally invasive site, blood in the urine, scrotal burning, incontinence, or impotence.

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Chemotherapy

Prostate Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used in advanced prostate cancer, if the disease has extended to other parts of the body. Prostate Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used in advanced prostate cancer, if the disease has extended to other parts of the body.

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Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Recurrent prostate cancer that has stopped responding to treatment may benefit from chemotherapy. Recurrent
Prostate Cancer

Recurrent prostate cancer that has stopped responding to treatment may benefit from chemotherapy.

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Salvage Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is administered orally, or by a computerized pump, or by frequent injections at a doctor’s office. Salvage Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is administered orally, or by a computerized pump, or by frequent injections at a doctor’s office.

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Effects
of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may relieve pain and slow tumor growth in advanced stages of prostate cancer. Effects
of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may relieve pain and slow tumor growth in advanced stages of prostate cancer.

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Chemotherapy
Side Effects

Chemotherapy may cause nausea, hair loss, vomiting, and mouth sores. Chemotherapy
Side Effects

Chemotherapy may cause nausea, hair loss, vomiting, and mouth sores.

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Cryosurgery &
Cryotherapy

Prostate Cryotherapy

Also called cryotherapy, this minimally invasive procedure uses needles to apply freezing gases to the prostate. Prostate Cryotherapy

Also called cryotherapy, this minimally invasive procedure uses needles to apply freezing gases to the prostate.

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Cryosurgery Patients

Cryosurgery is used for patients with localized cancer, external radiation recurrent cancer, Gleason scores under 6, or PSA levels under 10. Cryosurgery Patients

Cryosurgery is used for patients with localized cancer, external radiation recurrent cancer, Gleason scores under 6, or PSA levels under 10.

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Minimally Invasive Surgery

Cryosurgery takes about 2 hours with a possible overnight admission. Minimally Invasive
Surgery

Cryosurgery takes about 2 hours with a possible overnight admission.

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Cryosurgery
Survival Rates

Long-term clinical results are limited but promising. Cryosurgery
Survival Rates

Long-term clinical results are limited but promising.

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Cryosurgery
Side Effects

Side effects may include moderate pelvic pain, blood in urine, scrotal swelling, mild urinary urgency, and impotence. Cryosurgery
Side Effects

Side effects may include moderate pelvic pain, blood in urine, scrotal swelling, mild urinary urgency, and impotence.

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Hormone
Therapy

Prostate Hormone Therapy

Prostate hormone therapy suppresses, blocks, or eliminates testosterone to slow the tumor’s growth. Prostate Hormone
Therapy

Prostate hormone therapy suppresses, blocks, or eliminates testosterone to slow the tumor’s growth.

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Hormone Therapy Uses

Therapy can slow the tumor’s growth or lower a PSA level; it may be used before, during, or after other treatment. Hormone Therapy Uses

Therapy can slow the tumor’s growth or lower a PSA level; it may be used before, during, or after other treatment.

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Shrinking the Prostate

Surgical castration patients return home the day of the surgery. Treatment is given orally or by injection. Shrinking the Prostate

Surgical castration patients return home the day of the surgery. Treatment is given orally or by injection.

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Hormone
Therapy Effects

Hormone therapy does not destroy cancer but research has shown effectiveness in enhancing other treatments. Hormone
Therapy Effects

Hormone therapy does not destroy cancer but research has shown effectiveness in enhancing other treatments.

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Hormone Therapy
Side Effects

May cause impotence, weight gain, hot flashes, fatigue, loss of muscle mass; and hormone “flare” in LHRH use. Hormone Therapy
Side Effects

May cause impotence, weight gain, hot flashes, fatigue, loss of muscle mass; and hormone “flare” in LHRH use.

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Radiation
Therapy

Prostate Radiation Therapy

EBRT or electron beam radiation therapy aims external radiation at prostate cancer cells. Prostate Radiation
Therapy

EBRT or electron beam radiation therapy aims external radiation at prostate cancer cells.

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Using Radiation Therapy

IMRT and 3D-CRT are newer versions of EBRT and are non-invasive. Using Radiation Therapy

IMRT and 3D-CRT are newer versions of EBRT and are non-invasive.

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Radiation Treatment

Radiation therapy generally requires 5 treatments per week over 6-8 weeks. Radiation Treatment

Radiation therapy generally requires 5 treatments per week over 6-8 weeks.

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External Radiation Outcomes

Multiple long- and short-term studies indicate success rates over 85% especially when used with other therapies. External Radiation
Outcomes

Multiple long- and short-term studies indicate success rates over 85% especially when used with other therapies.

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Radiation
Side Effects

May include tiredness, diarrhea, skin irritation, upset stomach, frequent or burning urination, and proctitis. Radiation
Side Effects

May include tiredness, diarrhea, skin irritation, upset stomach, frequent or burning urination, and proctitis.

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Prostatectomy

Prostate Surgery

Prostatectomy is the removal of the prostate by surgical incisions in abdomen or perineum, or small incisions and laparoscope use. Prostate Surgery

Prostatectomy is the removal of the prostate by surgical incisions in abdomen or perineum, or small incisions and laparoscope use.

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Prostatectomy Patients

Prostatectomy carries surgical risks and possible side effects so is usually recommended only for younger patients who are in otherwise good health. Prostatectomy Patients

Prostatectomy carries surgical risks and possible side effects so is usually recommended only for younger patients who are in otherwise good health.

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Prostate Removal

Length of prostatectomy surgeries, recovery times, and hospital stays vary according to specific prostatectomy procedure. Prostate Removal

Length of prostatectomy surgeries, recovery times, and hospital stays vary according to specific prostatectomy procedure.

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Prostatectomy
Survival Rates

Multiple long-term studies indicate recurrence-free success rates over 90%. Prostatectomy
Survival Rates

Multiple long-term studies indicate recurrence-free success rates over 90%.

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Risks of
Prostatectomy

Surgical complications, impotence, or incontinence may occur. Risks of
Prostatectomy

Surgical complications, impotence, or incontinence may occur.

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Robotic
Prostatectomy

Robotic Prostatectomy

Robotic prostate surgery is a minimally invasive procedure involving the removal of the prostate and surrounding cancerous tissue.Robotic Prostate Surgery

Robotic prostatectomy surgery is a minimally invasive procedure involving the removal of the prostate and surrounding cancerous tissue.

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Robotic Prostatectomy Patients

Minimally invasive robotic surgery is reserved only for patients whose cancer is confined to the prostate gland. Robotic Prostatectomy Patients

Minimally invasive robotic surgery is reserved only for patients whose cancer is confined to the prostate gland.

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Prostate Removal

During a robotic prostatectomy, surgeons remove the prostate gland through a series of small incisions using surgeon-controlled robotic arms.Robotic Prostate Removal

During a robotic prostatectomy, surgeons remove the prostate gland through a series of small incisions using surgeon-controlled robotic arms.

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Robotic Prostatectomy Outcomes

Clinical research indicates comparable surgical outcomes when compared to traditional retropubic procedures.Robotic Prostatectomy
Survival Rates

Clinical research indicates comparable surgical outcomes when compared to traditional retropubic procedures.

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Risks of Robotic Prostate Removal

Impotence, incontinence, blood loss, and other surgical complications are known risk factors of robotic prostate removal. Risks of Robotic-Assisted
Prostatectomy

Impotence, incontinence, blood loss, and other surgical complications are known risk factors of robotic prostate removal.

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Watchful
Waiting

Watchful Waiting

Also called expectant therapy, patient undergoes careful monitoring instead of more aggressive therapy. Watchful Waiting

Also called expectant therapy, patient undergoes careful monitoring instead of more aggressive therapy.

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Expectant Therapy Patients

Recommended to those with low Gleason and PSA levels, and nonpalpable tumors. Expectant Therapy
Patients

Recommended to those with low Gleason and PSA levels, and nonpalpable tumors.

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Monitoring and Care

Expectant therapy includes regular visits to a doctor for prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams. Monitoring and Care

Expectant therapy includes regular visits to a doctor for prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams.

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Watchful Waiting Outcomes

Because prostate cancer is usually slow-growing, many men opt for and benefit from watchful waiting. Watchful Waiting
Outcomes

Because prostate cancer is usually slow-growing, many men opt for and benefit from watchful waiting.

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Risks of
Watchful Waiting

Cancer may grow between monitoring visits and quickly spread to other parts of the body. Risks of
Watchful Waiting

Cancer may grow between monitoring visits and quickly spread to other parts of the body.

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Complementary
and
Alternative Medicine

Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative treatment for prostate cancer explores non-orthodox modalities of patient care. Complementary & Alternative
Medicine Patients

Complementary and alternative treatment for prostate cancer explores non-orthodox modalities of patient care.

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CAM Patient Criteria

The decision to explore complementary and alternative prostate cancer treatment is often a personal one. CAM Patient Criteria
The decision to explore complementary and alternative prostate cancer treatment is often a personal one.

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CAM Treatment

CAM treatments include, but are not limited to, prostate cancer diets, mind-body practices, and alternative medical systems. CAM Treatment

CAM treatments include, but are not limited to, prostate cancer diets, mind-body practices, and alternative medical systems.

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Clinical CAM Evidence

Clinical evidence concerning  complementary and alternative medicine's role as a valid prostate cancer treatment option.
Clinical CAM Evidence

Clinical evidence concerning complementary and alternative medicine's role as a valid prostate cancer treatment option.

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Risks of CAM

Known risk factors include lack of clinical evidence and the potential of  harmful treatment interactions.
Risks of CAM

Known risk factors include lack of clinical evidence and the potential of harmful treatment interactions.

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High Intensity
Focused
Ultrasound (HIFU)

HIFU Description

Minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound waves to heat and destroy affected tissues within the prostate.HIFU Description

Minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound waves to heat and destroy affected tissues within the prostate.

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HIFU Patients

Most effective for patients with Stage I or II prostate cancer or whose cancer recurs locally after radiation therapy.HIFU Patients
Most effective for patients with Stage I or II prostate cancer or whose cancer recurs locally after radiation therapy.

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HIFU Procedure

Ultrasound waves are directed at the prostate, and the temperature is rapidly elevated to ablate the affected tissue.HIFU Procedure

Ultrasound waves are directed at the prostate, and the temperature is rapidly elevated to ablate the affected tissue.

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HIFU Survival Rates

A high percentage of men with localized prostate cancer, who use HIFU, are successfully treated while maintaining continence.
HIFU Survival Rates

A high percentage of men with localized prostate cancer, who use HIFU, are successfully treated while maintaining continence.

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Side effects of HIFU

After a HIFU procedure, patients may experience frequent and/or urgent urination, mild discomfort, or discharge.
Side effects of HIFU

After a HIFU procedure, patients may experience frequent and/or urgent urination, mild discomfort, or discharge.

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Emerging Technologies

Emerging Technology Description

Alternative treatments for prostate cancer are emerging from advances in technology.Emerging Technology Description

Alternative treatments for prostate cancer are emerging from advances in technology.

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Emerging Technology Patients

Emerging technologies could be one of the best options for patients who haven't responded to other forms of treatment.Emerging Technology Patients
Emerging technologies could be one of the best options for patients who haven't responded to other forms of treatment.

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Emerging Technology Procedure

Emerging technologies for prostate cancer treatment: What are they?Emerging Technology Procedure

Emerging technologies for prostate cancer treatment: What are they?

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Emerging Technology Survival Rates

As technology advances, so do the chances of prostate cancer survival and prevention.
Emerging Technology Survival Rates

As technology advances, so do the chances of prostate cancer survival and prevention.

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Side effects of Emerging Technology

Alternative healing therapies are being researched in clinical trials to find a way to treat prostate cancer.
Side effects of Emerging Technology

Alternative healing therapies are being researched in clinical trials to find a way to treat prostate cancer.

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The Prostate Cancer Treatment Guide is a comprehensive source of prostate cancer information that is written plainly and organized conveniently into a chart. The simple layout of this guide will ease the daunting task of learning about treatments after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis. The guide is not a substitution for a doctor, but its complete and easy-to-understand information will prepare readers for the journey ahead.

If you, or someone you love, have received a diagnosis, or you are wondering if you are at risk, the Prostate Cancer Treatment Guide is a valuable resource.

 
 
 

Prostate Cancer Treatment Overview
This year in the United States, there will be over 230,000 new prostate cancer diagnoses, making prostate cancer the most common type of cancer affecting men. Chances are either you or someone you know will develop the disease.

Prostate Cancer Definition: The Glossary
The Prostate Cancer Treatment Guide provides the most comprehensive glossary of prostate cancer information available on the Internet. PCTG definitions describe the meaning of the term you want and then explain how the term relates to prostate cancer.

 
 

Obesity ''may distort cancer test''
Doctors must take body weight into account when reading test results for prostate cancer, a US study argues.

London''s Cancer Hot Spots
A new study has found that Kingston is London''s hot spot for skin, breast and prostate cancer. It is one of the boroughs in the capital with the highest rates of all three types of cancer. The Cancer Inequalities in London report by the Thames Cancer Registry reveals stark differences in cancer levels in different areas. It shows the highest rates for skin cancer are in Kingston, Richmond & Twickenham, Sutton & Merton, Croydon and Havering. [click link for full article]

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