Is radiation treatment for prostate cancer a good idea?

Cancer treatments of any type can be scary. Often our greatest fears can be traced to our fear of the unknown. While this document is in no way to be taken as medical advice it may be your first stop on the way to beginning to understand a little about this form of radiation treatment.

Brachytherapy vs. Beam Radiation

Beam radiation is radiation therapy administered outside of the body. This type of radiation is often called external radiation, and it aims high level x-ray beams at the cancer. Brachytherapy is administered inside of the body and is often referred to as internal radiation therapy.

Just as its name suggests internal radiation therapy is aimed at cancer from within the body. Brachytherapy comes from the Greek word small because it focuses on a small area of the body causing less damage to healthy tissue.

The idea is to point the radiation more directly towards the cancer by maneuvering the radiation emitting devices more closely to the cancer. This is accomplished in a number of ways for different types of cancer.

Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Your doctor will evaluate your overall health and the condition of your cancer to determine which prostate Brachytherapy treatment will best serve your needs. Two kinds of treatment exist. The first is called Permanent Low Dosage Rate (LDR) the second is called Temporary High Dosage Rate (HDR).

Permanent LDR Brachytherapy

LDR is a process by which radiation seeds are implanted in the body inside of the cancer or directly next to it. These seeds remain in the body slowly emitting direct concentrated doses of radiation to the prostrate while limiting damage to healthy cells. The seeds remain in place permanently and become inactive after a few months. This is an outpatient procedure, and contact with children and pregnant women may be restricted.

Temporary HDR Brachytherapy

HDR is a process by which hollow needles are inserted into the cancer area. These needles remain in place until the therapy is complete. During treatment these needles are filled with high doses of radioactive material. This is repeated 2 - 3 times a day over the course of several days.

Once the procedure is completed all materials are removed. While undergoing this type of treatment the radiation in your body may be dangerous to others and visitation of children and pregnant women may be restricted. You will be required to remain in the hospital until the process is complete. Once all materials are removed the restrictions will be lifted.

Procedure

Before treatment ultrasound will be used to determine the placement of radioactive material. Ultrasound may also be used during treatment to assist in guided placement of treatment materials. After anesthesia is administered needles are inserted into the perineum to the prostate.

Once accuracy of placement is monitored and confirmed the LDR seeds are released. The area is scanned for stray seeds which are removed. In cases of HDR usage once placement is confirmed the needles are filled. Incisions are not necessary for this procedure.

Side effects

Difficult and or frequent urination are the most often seen side effects. This is treated with medication and or draining of the bladder. Symptoms improve over time. Impotence and infertility are a possibility.

With any medical procedure be sure to obtain detailed information from authorized sources. Discuss your treatment with your doctor. Keep a notepad handy to jot down questions and concerns and carry these notes with you to each doctor visit.

Do not be afraid to ask for explanations of terms you don't understand, and be sure to ask how and why your doctor arrived at his diagnosis and prescribed treatment method for you. It is advisable to be aware of other treatment options. Remember, it's your body.
 

Once you are diagnosed with prostate cancer you should begin studying your options for treatment. This article is a simple overview, and should not be used for medical purposes. All patients need to familiarize themselves with the symptoms, treatments, and diagnosis of their illness. Treatment with beam radiation therapy is no exception.

Discuss beam radiation therapy with your primary care physician as well as each specialist who examines you. Do you see an oncologist or urologist?  Get their input on each aspect of your illness. The best choice is an informed one. The more information you have the easier it will be to make decisions about your health.

Beam radiation therapy is used to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately the radiation also kills healthy cells. Different ways of controlling the amount of damage to healthy tissue surrounding the cancer tumor are constantly being developed.

There are several different types of external radiation.  Some use x-ray beams in different ways. One method uses protons. Basically a large machine aims a beam of radiation at your cancer. Your point of entry may be marked with ink to ensure consistent and proper placement of each radiation treatment. Treatments usually take place 5 days a week for 4 - 10 weeks. All treatments will be based on your specific diagnosis, type of cancer, and stage of illness.

Proton Therapy
Proton therapy uses energetic ionizing particles (accelerated protons) instead of x-rays. This permits a higher concentrated dosage to be focused on the target and protects the surrounding tissues. Proton therapy is sometimes combined with other methods of treatment.

Conformal Radio therapy
Conformal radio therapy implements a 3-D system of planning. The goal is to send a high level of radiation to your prostate cancer. As with all radiation therapy the target is to destroy the cancer cells while protecting the healthy cells as much as possible.

Intensity Modulated Therapy
In the use of intensity modulated therapy the intensity of the x-ray beam is carefully modulated to provide more protection of healthy cells. Therapy session times may be longer.

Your radiation oncologist and therapist will discuss your treatment plan with you. This is a good time to ask questions and discuss anything that you are not familiar with. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of your treatment plan, be sure to discuss the necessity of that aspect and search for alternatives.

The length of time necessary for treatment varies for each person. Most of your time will be spent getting positioned. You will be required to lay very still to be sure the radiation focuses on the cancer cells and not healthy tissue. Ask if you may bring a cd or tape player to help you relax during treatment. Books on tape and soothing music will make the time pass more quickly.

Preparing for Treatment
You should wear comfortable and easy to remove clothing to your first treatment. Your therapist may ask you to wear a hospital gown. Do not wear accessories such as watches or jewelry. Don't bathe with deodorant soap or use deodorant prior to treatment. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or focused concentration. If a listening device is allowed, be sure to carry it with you.

Treatment
Once you enter the treatment area your therapist will instruct you and answer any questions you may still have. Position yourself comfortably and relax. Your therapist will leave the room once you are situated, but will always be in contact with you. She may be enclosed in a room with a large window so you can see her and you will be able to talk with your therapist throughout the whole process.

Once you are released from your beam radiation therapy treatment, be sure to follow your doctor's orders on caring for yourself. Don't hesitate to call one of your medical caregivers if you have symptoms which alarm or worry you.

Radiation therapy is often used in intermediate cases of prostate cancer. Usually combined with surgery and/or hormone therapy, radiation is applied to the prostate cancer and damages the DNA of the cancer. Normal cells are able to repair this damage, but cancer cells cannot.

Side effects can include diahrrea and anal bleeding, both of which usually clear up in time. Also, urinary incontinence and impotence somtimes result.

There are two types of radiation therapy:

External beam - a beam of radiation is focused onto the prostate gland from outside the body.

Brachytherapy - small radioactive pellets are inserted via the perineum (the area between the testicles and anus) and left permanently.