Types Of Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy

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What are the Different Forms of Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy?

There are three basic ways that radioactive materials can be delivered to the prostate. The first is called external beam radiation. This form of prostate cancer radiation treatment uses an external machine that targets the prostate and shoots a radioactive beam at the cancerous cells. The second is called internal radiation therapy, in which radioactive materials are placed inside the prostate itself. This is most commonly known as brachytherapy, which is the implantation of radioactive seeds in the prostate. The final form of prostate cancer radiation is called systemic radiation in involves in ingestion of radioactive materials.

External Beam Radiation

There are three prominent methods of external beam radiation. The first and oldest technique is 3D conformational therapy. The second is called intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The newest and most expensive ...
... form of external beam radiation is called proton beam therapy. Each of these three methods involves multiple doses of radiation given 5 days a week for a period of 6 to 9 weeks. In this form of prostate cancer radiation, a radioactive beam is aimed at the cancerous cells but also destroys the healthy cells in its path.

For many years, doctors have recommended IMRT because of its greater effectiveness in eradicating cancerous cells and fewer side effects when compared to 3D conformational therapy. Proton beam therapy is form of prostate cancer radiation which has proven itself to be very effective and is being adopted by more hospitals around the world.

Internal Radiation Therapy

Brachytherapy involves the insertion of radioactive seed implants into the prostate. During low-dose brachytherapy, 50-100 radioactive seeds are implanted which remain in the prostate permanently. However, these seeds become biologically neutral after a short period of time. High-dose brachytherapy is different because the seeds are more radioactive and are inserted for period of just several minutes and then removed. This process is repeated several times. Brachytherapy is a popular option because it is a one-time treatment, unlike external beam therapy that must be repeated daily for an extended period of time.

Systemic Radiation Therapy

In this form of prostate cancer radiation treatment, radioactive materials are ingested into the body through liquids, capsules, or IVs. The radioactive material travels through the body until it locates and targets the cancerous cells in the prostate. This is not a painful procedure, but does require several days of hospital confinement after each dose to ensure that radioactive levels safely return to normal.

The Prostate Cancer Research Institute is a charitable institution that is intended to improve the quality of men’s lives by supporting the research and disseminating information stage 3 prostate cancer. It also helps to create awareness and empowers patients, families and the medical community.