Prostate Radiation Therapy: Types, Benefits & Risks

There are two main methods of delivery of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Before choosing a treatment option, it is important to understand the advantages and risks of each procedure.

External Beam Radiation

• External beam radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation from an outside source to kill the malignant tumors within or near the prostate gland.

Advantages

• External beam radiation may cure localized prostate cancer. Incontinence and impotence are less common side effects than with surgery.

Disadavantages

• Disadvantages associated with external beam radiation include fatigue, skin reaction at treatment sites, urinary frequency, rectal bleeding, frequent stools, erectile dysfunction, bladder and/or rectal irritation, and pubic hair loss.

Brachytherapy

• Brachytherapy involves the implantation of radiative seeds near or in the cancerous tissue of the prostate gland.

Advantages

• Brachytherapy is minimally invasive, involves a short hospital stay and a quick recovery.

Disadvantages

• This therapy is not for everyone, namely men with a high-grade cancer. Side effects may include urinary frequency and urgency, rectal irritation, pain, burning, bowel movement frequency and urgency, pain with ejaculation, impotence and infertility.