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Radiation therapy is a widely used and highly effective treatment option for prostate cancer. It works by using high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.
Below is an overview of what patients can expect before, during, and after radiation therapy, as well as how hormonal therapy may be incorporated into treatment.
Prior to beginning radiation treatment, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most appropriate care plan. This evaluation may include a physical exam, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and biopsy results to confirm the diagnosis and stage of prostate cancer.
Your care team—often including a urologist, radiation oncologist, and other specialists—will review treatment goals, potential side effects, and expected outcomes with you.
Most patients also participate in a planning session known as a simulation. During this session, you will be positioned as you will be during treatment while imaging is used to map the precise area requiring radiation. This step ensures accurate targeting of the prostate while protecting nearby tissues. Small skin markings may be placed to help guide treatment delivery.
Radiation for prostate cancer can be delivered using one of two primary methods:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) EBRT delivers radiation from outside the body using a specialized machine called a linear accelerator. Treatments are typically scheduled five days a week over several weeks. Each session lasts only a few minutes, though setup and positioning may take longer.
Brachytherapy Brachytherapy involves placing tiny radioactive seeds directly into the prostate. These seeds release radiation over time, targeting cancer cells from within while limiting exposure to surrounding tissue.
During treatment sessions, patients are carefully positioned, and the radiation machine may move around the body to deliver radiation from multiple angles. The procedure itself is painless, though remaining still during treatment may cause mild discomfort for some patients.
Once radiation therapy is complete, regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor recovery and treatment effectiveness. These appointments often include physical exams, PSA blood tests, and occasional imaging studies.
Common side effects may include:
Short-term effects:
Long-term effects:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, can support recovery and overall well-being following treatment.
Hormonal therapy, also called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is frequently used alongside radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This treatment works by reducing or blocking male hormones, such as testosterone, which can stimulate prostate cancer growth.
Hormonal therapy may be administered in several ways:
Hormonal therapy may be recommended:
Potential side effects of hormonal therapy may include:
Patients receiving hormonal therapy are closely monitored, and supportive treatments are available to help manage side effects.
Radiation therapy, often combined with hormonal therapy, is a cornerstone of prostate cancer treatment. Each care plan is customized to the patient’s diagnosis, overall health, and treatment goals. Understanding the treatment process can help patients and their families feel prepared, informed, and supported throughout the journey.
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