Prostate Cancer: Common Considerations When Choosing a Treatment

When diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor will suggest treatment options that may include one or a combination of treatments. Common prostate cancer treatment methods include active surveillance, surgery, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), brachytherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

When assessing your options and deciding on a treatment, it’s important to consider the various aspects associated with different treatments and how they may impact your daily activities.

Some considerations when choosing a treatment method include the following:

• Short- and long-term side effects: Treatments for prostate cancer may cause side effects including incontinence and erectile dysfunction. It’s important to discuss these potential side effects with your doctor.

• Length of treatment: The various forms of radiation therapy for prostate cancer can differ in how long the course of treatment takes to complete. SBRT for prostate cancer is completed in five or fewer outpatient sessions, while EBRT is typically completed in about 40 sessions over a period of six to eight weeks.

• Recovery time: Treatments, such as surgery, may require weeks of recovery time before patients are able to return to a normal routine. With SBRT, there is no cutting or anesthesia involved, so patients typically return to their usual activities immediately following treatment.

At Reno CyberKnife, prostate cancer patients are treated with SBRT using highly advanced CyberKnife^® technology. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, contact our center to learn if you are a candidate for CyberKnife treatment. 

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.