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Historically the word “radiation” evokes strong negative reactions. Before the advent of modern computerized targeting in the early 2000s, prostate radiation therapy was both ineffective and damaging. Now, however, doctors can reduce the width of the radiation beam to precisely match the external dimensions of the prostate gland. Therefore, radiation exposure to the surrounding structures like the bladder and the rectum is dramatically reduced. Moreover, the intensity of radiation beam can now be “modulated.” The beam can be “shaped” to match a spherical target like the prostate. This limits “overspray” of radiation into the sensitive surrounding organs like the rectum and bladder. Short term side effects of IMRT tend to be mild. The long term risks of IMRT are impotence and a small risk of proctitis (radiation burn of the rectum). For a more detailed discussion of the local therapies, brachytherapy, IMRT and surgery, you can request the booklet How to Pick the Best Treatment for Prostate Cancer from our office.
By Micah Chancey & Mark Scholz, MD Surgery, Radiation, Active Surveillance, or Seed Implant? Since there are three different risk categories of newly-diagnosed prostate cancer—low, intermediate and high—optimal treatment varies. READ THE FULL …