“Is radiotherapy effective for prostate cancer?”
I'm 32 years old and I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My doctor suggested to have a radiotherapy. Is radiotherapy effective for prostate cancer?
4 Answers
Hi, yes. It’s as effective as surgery. The Protect trial from the UK recently published in the New England Journal showed equivalent cure rates and better quality of life after radiation. Radiation can either be given with photons ( conventional radiation) or protons. The latter treats less normal tissue and, for the same dose, may more effective. Best wishes, Bill
Radiation oncology is not my specialty, but I do know that radiation therapy is an effective treatment for prostate cancer and can be curative. I suggest you talk more with your radiation oncologist for more specific details.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Yes and no. Intensity modulated radiation therapy does work on lower grade tumors. The most important aspect is to correctly outline the prostate with fiducial markers. In my case they were off, leaving a bit of untreated tumor. There are new therapies at Radboud Medical Center in the Netherlands that use cryotherapy to zap the entire prostate. Similar therapies may be available at the Mayo Clinic.
In the best of scenarios, 95% of tumors can be cured with IMRT. Be careful who you choose.
In the best of scenarios, 95% of tumors can be cured with IMRT. Be careful who you choose.