While much has been made of the fact that new techniques in surgical
intervention have resulted in the minimization of treatment side
effects, we should remember that radiation therapy was utilized
as a treatment for prostate cancer well before the introduction
of surgery. Equally important is the fact that many effective advances
have also been made in the use of radiation therapy.
These advances have evolved into two very different approaches
and techniques in treating prostate cancer:
External Beam, which includes traditional external therapy (XBRT), conformal beam therapy, 3D conformal beam (IMRT), High Dosage Fractionated Radiotherapy (HDR), proton and neutron beam
Interstitial Radiation Therapy, synonymous for brachytherapy or seed implantation
As in surgery, finding the best doctor and/or treatment facility is key to the most effective care and desired quality if life. Listen here as Dr. Cristina Gutierrez discusses making that choice:
Radiation
Therapy: Inside and Out - an in-depth look at the full scope
of radiation treatment protocols provided by Dr. Mack Roach III
from the University of California San Francisco Comprehensive Cancer
Center.
Can hormonal therapy improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy? Listen to Dr. Cristina Gutierrez discuss this as well as potential side effects from R/T.
Listen to Dr. Henry Tsai discussing Proton Beam Therapy and its treatment advantages.
