Two main types of radiation
therapy are used to treat prostate cancer: external beam radiation
therapy (XRT) and brachytherapy.
External Radiation Treatment
(XRT)
XRT usually is given on an outpatient basis for 7 or 8 weeks.
It is often considered the standard for radiation therapy particularly
when given in the Intensity Modulated (IMRT) form. High energy
X-rays are projected into prostate tissue from a machine outside
the body. The radiation destroys the cancer cells and shrinks
tumors. It’s generally painless and has mild side effects
in a small percentage of patients.
Premier Prostate Cancer Center
affiliated with Fox Chase Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Associates.
Lawrenceville Urology is proud to offer to our patients the ability to be treated by Radiation Oncology Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center. The Premier Prostate Cancer Center allows our patients to receive world-class treatment locally by a team that focuses entirely on prostate cancer to achieve the best outcomes.
Brachytherapy
This treatment involves implanting tiny, radioactive
capsules (called "seeds") into the cancerous prostate
gland. The seeds emit radiation that kills the malignant tumor.
Men with small tumors confined to the prostate (stage T1 or
T2) are candidates for brachytherapy.
Brachytherapy patients
are discharged the same day of this procedure (which is performed
under anesthesia) and usually resume routine activity within
a day or so. This is generally well tolerated but can have
slightly more urinary side effects than External Radiation
Treatments.
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