Sometimes, treating prostate cancer right away is unnecessary. Low-grade cases might grow very slowly and remain small, causing no immediate symptoms. Doctors may suggest watchful waiting, where regular tests, like blood checks and biopsies, help monitor the cancer’s development.
If the cancer starts to grow or spread, treatment options can be reconsidered. This approach can be ideal for older patients or those with other serious health conditions, reducing the need for surgery or radiation.
Removing the Prostate Through Surgery
Surgical options for prostate cancer include taking out the prostate gland and some nearby tissues. This method is effective when the cancer is contained within the prostate. There are two main surgical approaches:
- Using several small cuts in the belly area: In a robot-assisted procedure, surgeons make small cuts to insert tools, which are controlled using a robotic device. This method allows precise movements and is commonly used for prostate surgery.
- Using one large incision in the belly area: In specific cases, doctors may opt for a large single cut to reach the prostate. Though less frequent, this method might be necessary depending on the circumstances.
Doctors will discuss which surgical route is most appropriate based on individual needs.
Using Radiation to Target Cancer
Radiation therapy employs high-energy beams to eliminate cancer cells in the prostate. There are two primary types:
- Beams from outside the body (external radiation): Patients lie on a table while a machine directs energy beams at the cancer. This is often done several days a week over a period. It’s useful for confined prostate cancer, post-surgery cleanup, or when cancer spreads to bones, helping alleviate pain.
- Radiation placed inside the body (internal radiation): Small radioactive seeds are inserted in the prostate tissue, slowly releasing radiation over time. This is an option for cancer that hasn’t reached beyond the prostate.
In certain scenarios, both methods may be combined for better results.
Treating Tissue by Freezing or Heating
Some methods involve either freezing or heating prostate tissue to destroy cancer cells:
- Freezing the tissue: A process called cryotherapy uses extreme cold to freeze and kill cancer cells, along with some healthy tissue.
- Heating the tissue: High-focused ultrasound uses sound waves to heat and eliminate cancerous tissue.
These options might be suitable for small, early-stage cancers or advanced cases where other treatments haven’t worked.
Treatment with Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy helps by reducing levels of testosterone, which prostate cancer cells need to grow. Different approaches are used:
- Medications to reduce testosterone production: These prevent cells from creating testosterone, helping lower testosterone levels.
- Medications to block testosterone from reaching cancer cells: Often used with other hormone therapies to manage cancer growth.
- Surgical removal of the testicles: A direct way to decrease testosterone, but it is permanent and irreversible.
These methods are often used for more advanced cancer stages, sometimes before radiation.
Using Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves drugs that target fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells. This can be taken as pills or through intravenous injections. Chemotherapy is useful for prostate cancer that has spread or when other treatments don’t work.
Helping the Immune System with Therapy
Immunotherapy strengthens the body’s natural defenses to combat cancer cells. It can be helpful by:
- Modifying patient’s cells: Certain treatments involve modifying immune cells to better recognize and attack cancer.
- Assisting immune system recognition: Some drugs help immune cells identify and target prostate cancer cells more effectively.
Immunotherapy strategies are often reserved for advanced cases that haven’t responded to hormone therapy.
Specific Drug Treatments
Targeted drugs focus on particular weak points within prostate cancer cells. By zeroing in on these vulnerabilities, these medications hinder cancer cell survival. This method is suited for cases where cancers have specific traits that can be directly targeted, providing another option for treatment-resistant or advanced cancers.
Further Details
It’s essential to note that each management plan will depend on the patient’s specific condition, potential risks, and overall health. A personalized discussion with healthcare providers can offer guidance on the best course of action depending on these factors.
Clinical Research Trials
Mayo Clinic is conducting studies to test new treatments, interventions, and tests. These efforts aim to prevent, detect, treat, or manage the condition effectively.
Non-Standard Health Choices
Prostate cancer cannot be cured with non-standard health choices, but these approaches can support a person dealing with the effects of both the illness and its treatments. Many who face a cancer diagnosis feel a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, or worry. Sleep issues and constant thoughts about the illness are common.
Several methods may ease these feelings:
- Art therapy involves expressing emotions through creative activities.
- Dance or movement therapy involves physical activities that can help.
- Meditation, music therapy, and relaxation practices can promote calmness.
- Spirituality can offer support in finding meaning during challenging times.
Open communication with healthcare providers is crucial, as some might need additional treatments like medication to manage distress effectively.
