PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT: SIDE EFFECTS OF RADIATION THERAPY

Radiation is effective because it damages genetic material in all dividing cells within the targeted lesion. This prevents the cancer cells from growing. Eventually they die.

There are various forms of radiation therapy, including External Beam (IMRT, SBRT, IGRT) and Brachytherapy (radioactive seeds permanently implanted inside the prostate).

While radiation can effectively destroy cancer, there are many possible side effects associated with radiation such as:

• Rectal irritation or rectal bleeding
• Frequent and painful urination
• Possible rectal fistulas (abnormal connection between the rectum and urethra)
• Secondary cancer development in the bladder or rectum as a result of the radiation therapy
• Blood in the urine
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Sexual dysfunction

Radiation therapy in the news:

Radiation for prostate cancer lacks data -Medicare panel

Prostate irradiation raises risk of colon cancer

Recent Wall Street Journal article questions extensive use of radiation therapy for prostate cancer

When considering radiation therapy, also consider:

If an individual is having trouble urinating before treatment, Brachytherapy (radioactive seed implants) may make those symptoms worse.
• External Beam radiation requires daily treatments, 5 days a week, for 6-8 weeks (number of sessions vary depending on type of radiation).

There is another minimally invasive option

Cryotherapy is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer. And it is radiation-free without many of the side effects associated with radiation. Click here for more information.

A recent study showed that cryotherapy received better quality-of-life scores than radiation therapy for “urinary bother” (ability to urinate after procedure).

With cryotherapy, a patient can leave the hospital on the same day as the treatment. Cryotherapy typically requires only one treatment.

Cryotherapy is covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.