“Cancer radiation?”
After 8 weeks of radiation on Stage 2 prostate cancer, how long afterward before danger?
Male | 87 years old
Complaint duration: ?
3 Answers
OncologistOncologist
You should have a good chance of cure. The first 2 year afters treatment is critical for recurrence.
The positive anti-cancer effects of radiation will continue for months after radiation however, the side effects of therapy will typically subside within weeks after completing therapy. Your doctor may order follow up PSA blood testing after 2-3 months upon completion of therapy.
Hello,
You are asking a very pertinent question. I, however, prefer to interpret the question as what are the chances for late onset side effects from the radiation.
Stage 2 prostate subdivides into total risk factors for recurrence. It consists of cancer which is small at the time of diagnosis and has a low PSA (prostate specific antigen) score. More information about prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be obtained by looking at the prostate cancer guidelines published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) or from the website published by the NCI (National Cancer Institute) (www.cancer.gov). In either website search on prostate cancer.
There are several publications dealing with long term side effects from radiation therapy. These are uncommon and usually appear early during treatment. Most commonly they involve the urinary or gastrointestinal systems. Their incidence also depends on the type of radiation that was administered. Standard radiation gives wide fields to the pelvic region and can cause inflammation to these organ systems. More recently methods to aim the radiation directly toward the prostate gland (stereotactic radiation) and have been shown to have lower side effects. I am unsure of the type of radiation that was administered to you. More information on radiation toxicity can be found in an article in the Canadian Journal of Urology: “Late toxicity rates following definitive radiation for prostate cancer” authored by Nitin Ohri et al. In (8/2012). 19(4):6373-6380. It is best to ask these questions of the radiation oncologist that treated you.
In summary, late side effects from radiation therapy are unusual. It is best, however, that you continue routine followup with your treating oncologist.
Good luck.
You are asking a very pertinent question. I, however, prefer to interpret the question as what are the chances for late onset side effects from the radiation.
Stage 2 prostate subdivides into total risk factors for recurrence. It consists of cancer which is small at the time of diagnosis and has a low PSA (prostate specific antigen) score. More information about prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be obtained by looking at the prostate cancer guidelines published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) or from the website published by the NCI (National Cancer Institute) (www.cancer.gov). In either website search on prostate cancer.
There are several publications dealing with long term side effects from radiation therapy. These are uncommon and usually appear early during treatment. Most commonly they involve the urinary or gastrointestinal systems. Their incidence also depends on the type of radiation that was administered. Standard radiation gives wide fields to the pelvic region and can cause inflammation to these organ systems. More recently methods to aim the radiation directly toward the prostate gland (stereotactic radiation) and have been shown to have lower side effects. I am unsure of the type of radiation that was administered to you. More information on radiation toxicity can be found in an article in the Canadian Journal of Urology: “Late toxicity rates following definitive radiation for prostate cancer” authored by Nitin Ohri et al. In (8/2012). 19(4):6373-6380. It is best to ask these questions of the radiation oncologist that treated you.
In summary, late side effects from radiation therapy are unusual. It is best, however, that you continue routine followup with your treating oncologist.
Good luck.
