External beam radiation for treatment of prostate cancer

Dr. William Stiles, board certified Urological Surgeon, Osteopathic Physician, Men's Health Expert and functional medicine trained doctor educates men about various prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic prostatitis, interstitial cystitis, erectile dysfunction, and whole body optimization.
Estimated one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. An estimated 220,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Prostate cancer can be a complex issue for the patient and his family to understand. There are many treatment options for prostate cancer including surgical removal of the prostate, external beam radiation (IMRT / SBRT), proton beam therapy, cryotherapy, hormone treatment, chemotherapy, focal treatment, and even not immediately treating prostate cancer for low risk cases (Active surveillance). Early detection of prostate cancer is important. Most prostate cancers are detected when the cancer is still contained within the prostate gland, but some cancers are advanced and have moved outside of the prostate gland (metastatic). Each person with prostate cancer has their own unique conditions and situations that can affect treatment decisions going forward. Cancer staging radiographs (CT scan, bone scan, PET scan, etc) is often done by the urologist that performed the prostate biopsy to assess for spread of cancer outside of the prostate.
Medical Disclaimer:
The Prostate Coach and Dr. William Stiles does not provide medical advice. The content available in our videos, on our website, or on our social media handles do not provide a diagnosis or other recommendation for treatment and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosis and treatment of any person. We intend to provide educational information only. The determination of the need for medical services and the types of healthcare to be provided to a patient are decisions that should be made only by a physician or other licensed health care provider. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition.
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[@Brammy007a]

I came within 18 hours of chemical castration (which they euphemistically like to call "hormone therapy") which is typically done in conjunction with external beam radiation. Neither my urologist nor my radiation oncologist ever suggested that brachytherapy might be an option. Via lots of research, I cancelled the hormone shot and now am scheduled for for brachytherapy. For those out there who have been told they need external beam with hormone suppression, I urge you to investigate the long term effects of chemical castration..... from what I can tell, you will never be the same. Logically, brachytherapy (either low dose permanent seeds which deliver a higher dose in the long run, or high dose which is a quick but very strong exposure) makes a lot of sense as it delivers radiation most directly to the location of the cancer. There are also side effects to brachytherapy, of course. These include urinary problems (relatively short term) but these side effects PALE in comparison to chemical castration. PLEASE do your own research and do NOT just accept what the first doc says. A doctor is very likely to recommend the thing that they are specialized in, be it surgery, external beam radiation with chemical castration, or brachytherapy. This is not like being treated for a broken leg where the solution is a no-brainer.... YOU MUST DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.

[@theprostatecoach8058]

Yes, be your own best advocate. Prostate cancer is very complex !

[@gerard2620]

Not everyone can get brachytherapy. Larger, oversized prostate, already existing urinary incontinence issues (such as BPH), may disqualify patients from brachytherapy. Unless they either get some treatment before brachytherapy (such as chemical castration or surgery to reduce the size of the prostate). This never seems to be brought up in 'brachytherapy is a great choice' lectures.....

[@moustaphasaad2]

Perfect explanation Thank you

[@theprostatecoach8058]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RRRR-jv7dx]

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