How Many Radiation Treatments For Prostate Cancer

A prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Understanding treatment options can help. Radiation therapy is a primary treatment option for prostate cancer. This treatment has been around for decades. Thousands of men have been able to control and eliminate cancer using this treatment while keeping a high quality of life.

Knowing the ins and outs of radiation treatment, including the benefits and side effects, and the recovery process can help cancer patients understand their treatment options.

How is Radiation Treatment?

Radiation treatment is a high energy treatment that targets cancer cells. The primary goal is to kill the cancerous cells while keeping the healthy cells intact. Radiation can be a primary treatment option, or it can be a secondary treatment option after surgery, as well as, a treatment option in conjunction with other therapies.

When is Radiation Treatment Offered to Prostate Cancer Patients?

There are a variety of situations when doctors offer radiation treatment. For example, radiation treatment can be offered to men who have localized prostate cancer. In addition, it can be offered after surgery when it is suspected that a surgical procedure did not remove all cancerous cells. Radiation treatment is always an option for advanced cases if comfort is an important goal.

What are the Types of Radiation Treatment Offered to Patients?

There are two primary types of radiation treatment when it comes to prostate cancer and they are External Beam Radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

The most frequent treatment option for prostate cancer is External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT). Radiation for prostate cancer treatment is delivered externally through a machine that sends radiation beams directly to the cancerous prostate.

How EBRT Works

Prior to beginning treatment, imaging scans are performed to help build a prostate map. This ensures that the cancerous prostate can be safely targeted, without damaging the bladder or rectum. The imaging scans and mapping process can take weeks. The actual radiation treatment sessions take place five days a week, lasting just a few minutes.

Benefits and Treatment Process

One of the key benefits of EBRT is that this treatment does not involve a surgical procedure. Patients even have the ability to resume their normal activities shortly after the session. Other advancements and innovations in the practice of radiation have increased the targeting ability and reduced unwanted effects.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is still another viable treatment option for various prostate cancer patients.

What Is Internal Radiation Therapy?

Brachytherapy is different from EBRT because it involves the placement of internal radiation. The placement of internal, or implanted, radiation allows doctors to control and limit the amount of radiation that surrounds healthy tissue.

Types of Brachytherapy

There are two types of Brachytherapy. The first type, Low-dose-rate Brachytherapy, involves the placement of tiny, permanently radioactive seeds in the Prostate. The second type, High-dose-rate Brachytherapy, involves the placement of temporary, and therefore removable, radioactive materials.

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Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy, like any cancer treatment, can have an array of side effects. Not all patients will have side effects but many will and they will lessen over time.

1. Urinary Side Effects

Patients may have frequent urination, a burning sensation, or may struggle with bladder control. These side effects are usually temporary but must be reported to the provider if they become severe.

2. Bowel Side Effects

Radiation may irritate the rectum and the surrounding tissue. During treatment, patients may experience diarrhea, bowel urgency, or rectal discomfort.

3. Sexual Side Effects

Radiation treatment may also carry an array of sexual side effects. Many patients experience gradual onset of erectile dysfunction. Multiple treatment options exist for this as well.

4. Fatigue

Fatigue is also considered a common side effect of radiation. This may last throughout the treatment and several weeks after.

5. Skin Reactions

Modern technology has made skin reactions caused by radiation a rarity. However, mild dryness and irritation may occur.

6. Secondary Cancers

While considered a low risk, radiation treatment may cause a secondary cancer. This has been shown to occur years after the initial treatment.

How Common Are Secondary Cancers?

Secondary cancers are considered rare. For most patients, the benefits of treating prostate cancer are significantly more beneficial than the potential long term risk.

The Cost of Radiation Treatment

The cost of Radiation Therapy will vary based on the type of treatment, the healthcare facility, the location, and the type of insurance.

Cost Variability

There are several factors that can affect the cost of treatment including the number of sessions, imaging, consultations with specialists, and after care.

Treatment Cost

The cost of Radiation therapy and the surgery to remove prostate cancer may be close, however, in general, there is a significant difference in cost. Some patients prefer Radiation Therapy because it does not require hospitalization and recovery from a major surgery.

Recovery from Radiation Therapy

Most patients recover from Radiation Therapy in a short period of time and many are able to continue a normal routine while receiving the therapy.

Recovery Time and Side Effects

Most side effects from Radiation Therapy lessen after the therapy is finished, however, it may take several weeks to months for a patient to regain their normal energy.

Recovery Process

Recovery after Radiation Therapy requires several follow up appointments that are typically time to run a PSA Test and discuss any remaining side effects.

Recovery Support

Recovery from Radiation Therapy is aided by a healthy diet, remaining well nourished, and a healthy level of activity. Alcohol and tobacco should be abstained from as much as possible.

Pros of Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a reliable treatment for men as a non-invasive option. Able to control or clear cancer, radiation therapy allows men to carry on with their daily lives.

Efficiency

Radiation therapy is, for many men, an excellent option with an impressive control rate of cancer in the long term if it is localized. Each new day in cancer treatment brings a reduction in side effects and greater outcome potential.

When to See Your Physician

Severe pain, difficulty with urination, heavy bleedings, constant diarrhea, and any symptoms which get progressively worse, are all reasons to prioritize calling your physician for an appointment.

Potential Symptom Concerns

Long term mild pain, severe fatigue, and/or changes in your urination pattern should always be seen by your physician.

Side Effect Concerns and Management

Many side effects are manageable with lifestyle changes and medications. A major key to successfully managing side effects is constant, open communication with your treatment team.

Bottom Line

While there are other methods of treatment, radiation therapy is the most common and the most effective by a long way. As a treatment option, both forms of radiation therapy, Brachytherapy and EBRT, attempt to control cancer and maintain the patient’s quality of life.

Being able to make an informed estimate of expenses, possible side effects, the treatment process, and recovery, will give peace of mind to the patient and greater confidence in the treatment decision and process.