Cancer education

Prostate cancer

Many men with prostate cancer have more than one effective option. Radiation, surgery, active surveillance, and hormone therapy may be considered based on risk group, PSA, Gleason/grade group, and personal preferences.

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Role of radiation

External beam radiation (often with IMRT/IGRT) can treat the prostate and, when needed, nearby lymph nodes. Stereotactic radiotherapy / SBRT may be an option for selected patients in fewer sessions. Brachytherapy (internal radiation) is another approach for some men, alone or with external beam. Radiation is also used after surgery if PSA rises or if high-risk features are found, and to treat metastatic spots that cause pain.

Modern planning aims to cover the prostate while limiting dose to the bladder, rectum, and other nearby structures.

Surgery & medical oncology

Surgery (prostatectomy) removes the prostate and is one definitive option for localized disease.

Medical oncology / systemic therapy often means hormone therapy (androgen deprivation) with or without other drugs for higher-risk or advanced disease. Medical oncologists help manage drug therapy when needed.

Choosing between radiation and surgery is a shared decision — your urologist and radiation oncologist can compare benefits, side effects, and recovery.

What patients often ask

  • How long is beam treatment? Traditional courses may run several weeks; SBRT, when appropriate, is shorter.
  • Urinary and bowel changes can occur during/after radiation; most are manageable and often improve over time — ask about what is typical for your plan.
  • Hormone therapy may be recommended with radiation for intermediate- or high-risk disease.

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General education only — not a personal treatment recommendation. Call the office with questions about your care.

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