When it comes to treating prostate cancer, radiation therapy is frequently used. The goal of radiation therapy is to eradicate cancer cells by exposing them to high-powered rays. If the cancer is still contained to the prostate gland and has not migrated to other parts of the body, radiation therapy is often the recommended course of treatment. Radiation can be used in conjunction with hormone therapy and after surgery. Radiation treatment for prostate cancer can shrink tumors and ease symptoms.
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy are the two most common forms of radiation therapy used to treat prostate cancer (internal radiation). Let’s take a closer look at these two therapy options and how they’re utilized to kill off cancerous cells in the prostate.
Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation Therapy) for Prostate Cancer Treatment
The prostate is treated using brachytherapy, also known as seed implantation, by inserting radioactive pellets encased in titanium into the gland. The radiation emitted by the pellets will kill the cancer cells. Radiation travels such a small distance that it causes less harm to unaffected tissue. One hundred radioactive pellets are the standard amount. These remain in place long after their radioactive contents have been depleted.
The therapy choices for men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early stage are varied. When to start screening for prostate cancer, talk to your doctor or urologist. Men at high risk for prostate cancer should start screenings at age 40, while those at intermediate risk should wait until age 50, as recommended by the American Cancer Society.
External Beam Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment
To put it simply, external beam radiation therapy is a common procedure. At an outpatient facility, patients will undergo EBRT treatment. The prostate gland is targeted externally with radiation beams. As a result of the versatility of EBRT, doctors can modify the dose of radiation given, protecting healthy tissue in the vicinity.
Issues with radiation therapy for prostate cancer include its invasiveness, the risk of harming healthy tissue, and its undesirable side effects. To minimize collateral damage to healthy tissue, surgeons use cancer mapping software on specialized computers. Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy describes this method (3D-CRT).
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a more sophisticated kind of 3D-CRT that involves the computer moving around the body while delivering radiation from a variety of angles and intensities.
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer can now be given using state-of-the-art machines that incorporate imaging scanners to first take photos of the gland and set markers. Radiation therapy that uses images to direct the beams is known by its acronym, IGRT (IGRT). The result is improved accuracy and less collateral damage to healthy tissue.
Machine names like Cyberknife and X-Knife have become synonymous with stereotactic body radiation treatment (SBRT). Higher doses of radiation are administered in this treatment, which is also guided by imaging tools. In some cases, fewer sessions may be necessary because of the increased efficiency of the radiation.
One variation of external beam radiation therapy is proton therapy. Instead of directing beams of radiation at the tumor, protons are used. By releasing their energy at a predetermined distance, stopping at the tumor’s borders, and preventing an escape dose, protons assist reduce collateral harm to healthy tissue.
Prostate Cancer Screening
All urologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of men’s health issues. They will help you manage your health by making recommendations for screenings according to your medical history, lifestyle, and other risk factors. Your urologist can complete prostate cancer screenings in the office and can coordinate treatment if you are diagnosed with a condition.
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