There are several treatment options available for patients suffering from prostate cancer. The doctor adapts the treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each person and determines which option will lead to the most optimal results. Treatment should therefore take account of the progress of the disease, health status, age, opinions, preferences and expectations of the patient.

The choice of treatment can be difficult to make. It is important for the patient to have a good communication with their physician in order to be well informed about the details of his diagnosis and treatment options. It is very normal to want take a second opinion from another doctor so one may to have a more informed view and feel more comfortable with the recommended treatment. Finally, some side effects, such as erectile function or incontinence, are more pronounced for people who have already problems before treatment.

Treatment Options

In general, when the cancer is confined to the prostate and caught early, it is more easily cured. However, it is sometimes difficult to accurately predict the risk of progression of a localized prostate cancer. The tumor may be larger than anticipated and the stage can change after treatment. In some cases, the cancer spreads beyond the prostate to reach the seminal vesicles after the treatment.

The treatments offered to patients with localized prostate cancer are active surveillance, radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy. Nevertheless, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Thus, two men with identical tumors will not necessarily be treated in the same way.

When the cancer is locally advanced, a combination of these treatments is suggested in addition to hormonal therapy. However, in some cases, these treatments are not recommended as it can worsen the situation. Regular monitoring is advised to follow the evolution of the prostate cancer.

Here is a list of the treatments:

• Active surveillance
• Surgery
  • Radical prostatectomy
  • Pelvic lymph node dissection
  • Transurethral resection of the prostate
• Radiation therapy
  • External beam radiation
  • Brachytherapy
• Hormonal therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Clinical trials

For more details on the various prostate cancer treatments, see the Treatments section.

See as well:

The Gleason Score: What is it exactly?

How is prostate cancer staged?

You have questions? Speak to one of our health professionals.

Contact our toll-free 24/7 line at 1 855 899 – 2873

Join us and attend our conference Monday, April 27, 2015 from 19h to 21h. Click here.