How is prostate cancer treated?

Some general comments about prostate cancer treatment

Once your prostate cancer has been diagnosed and staged, you have a lot to think about before you and your doctor choose a treatment plan. You might feel that you must make a decision quickly, but it’s important to give yourself time to absorb and process the information you have learned. Ask questions of your cancer care team. See the section “What should you ask your doctor about prostate cancer?” for a list of some questions to ask.

Depending on the situation, the treatment options for men with prostate cancer might include:

    Expectant management (watchful waiting) or active surveillance
    Surgery
    Radiation therapy
    Cryosurgery (cryotherapy)
    Hormone therapy
    Chemotherapy
    Vaccine treatment
    Bone-directed treatment

These treatments are generally used one at a time, although in some cases they may be combined.

The treatment you choose for prostate cancer should take into account:

    Your age and expected life span
    Any other serious health conditions you have
    The stage and grade of your cancer
    Your feelings (and your doctor’s opinion) about the need to treat the cancer right away
    The likelihood that each type of treatment will cure your cancer (or help in some other way)
    Your feelings about the possible side effects from each treatment

Many men find it helpful to get a second opinion about the best treatment options based on their situation, especially if they have several choices. Prostate cancer is a complex disease, and doctors can differ in their opinions regarding the best treatment options. Speaking with doctors who specialize in different kinds of treatment may help you sort through your options.

The main types of doctors who treat prostate cancer include:

    Urologists: surgeons who treat diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system (including the prostate)
    Radiation oncologists: doctors who treat cancer with radiation therapy
    Medical oncologists: doctors who treat cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy

Your primary care doctor can also be a helpful source of information as you sort through your treatment options. It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs.

Many other specialists might be part of your treatment team as well, including physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, and other health professionals. If you’d like to know more about who may be on your cancer care team, see our document Health Professionals Associated With Cancer Care.

The next few sections describe the types of treatments used for prostate cancer. This is followed by discussion of other treatment-related topics, including:

    Things to think about when considering treatment options
    Typical treatment options based on the stage of the cancer
    Following PSA levels during and after treatment
    Dealing with prostate cancer that remains or recurs after treatment

tags: How is prostate cancer treated, prostate, cancer, treated, prostate cancer, prostate cancer treated,
Surgery, Radiation therapy, Cryosurgery (cryotherapy), Hormone therapy, Chemotherapy, Vaccine treatment, Bone-directed treatment.