When you receive a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer, there are many questions you may have, including questions about treatment options. One of the most common and effective treatment options is Radiation Therapy. An understanding of Radiation Therapy’s functions and what you can expect can help you make better decisions regarding your treatment. In this article, we will discuss in detail Radiation therapy treatment for prostate cancer and the factors that affect its cost.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate Cancer is when abnormal cells in the Male Reproductive System (in particular, the prostate gland) are growing out of control. Prostate Cancer is one of the most common types of Cancer in men, especially as they age.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
In essence, Radiation therapy treatment employs high-powered rays of Radiation to kill Cancer Cells or interfere with the cancer cells’ ability to grow. The way this is done is that Radiation works by disrupting the DNA of Cancer Cells, inhibiting their ability to replicate.
There are two delivery methods for Radiation Therapy:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): The Radiation originates from a machine on the outside of your body and targets Cancer.
- Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): A Radioactive source is placed within or adjacent to the Tumour.
Both methods seek to provide targeted treatment to the Cancer Cells while attempting to limit any large portion of the Radiation therapy treatment to healthy surrounding tissue. In most cases, Prostate Cancer grows at a slow rate and has no symptoms in its early stages. Once progressed, Prostate Cancer can cause Urinary complications, Discomfort, and other complications.
What Is the Effectiveness of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer?
Radiation therapy treatment for prostate cancer is regarded as one of the most effective forms of treatment for those diagnosed with this disease early on in the process.
- Considered Highly Effective
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer are able to receive treatments through radiation that yield similar long-term results compared to surgical options.
- Non-Invasive
Radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure; therefore, patients who are not medically clear for surgery may utilize this option with the use of radiosurgery.
- Can Be Combined With Other Treatment Options
Radiation therapy can be utilized in conjunction with hormone therapy or other treatment modalities to enhance treatment effectiveness, particularly at the advanced stage of prostate cancer.
- Maintains Functionality Of Surrounding Organs
Currently used treatment delivery methods focus on protecting nearby structures, allowing many men to maintain their urinary and sexual functioning after treatment has been completed.
What Factors Are Used In Planning Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a highly individualized treatment option; however, certain factors will impact how each patient is treated.
- Stage and Size of Prostate Cancer
Patients diagnosed at an early stage of prostate cancer may have fewer or less intense treatments than those diagnosed at a later stage.
- Type of Radiation Technology Used
There are several different forms of radiation therapy (i.e., IMRT, IGRT, VMAT). The type of radiation technology selected will depend on the patient’s specific clinical situation.
- Patient’s General Health
Considerations related to a patient’s age, health status, i.e., presence of other medical problems, and overall physical activity level must be included when deciding on the appropriate type of treatment for the patient.
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