Which Prostate Cancer Treatment is the Most Effective?

Posted by Gregory Echt on November 15th, 2016

An estimated 180,000 American men will find themselves seeking out the best possible treatments for prostate cancer this year. While many treatments do exist, men are likely to find there isn’t a cookie-cutter “best” treatment for this particular disease. While antibiotics might be the best solution for bacterial infections and surgery is always a must to address an appendicitis, prostate cancer doesn’t have a once-size-fits-all treatment.

While no single treatment for prostate cancer stands out as the “best,” there are many options available to men. The best treatment path to take will depend on a man’s age, the aggressiveness of the cancer and the tumor stage, among other factors. The treatments available include:

  • Surgery – Surgery to remove the prostate, known as a prostatectomy, can be very helpful in battling this disease. Since it may cause some side-effects, including impotence, it is generally reserved for treating more aggressive or high-risk forms of prostate cancer.
  • Radiation – External beam radiation or direct radiation implants, known as brachytherapy, produce tremendous results in some men. These treatments may be used in a variety of cases with strong results. Side effects may be associated with the use of radiation, however, so men are urged to speak with their doctors about the pros and cons of each treatment recommended.
  • Hormone therapy – Hormone therapy may be used in some cases on its own or in conjunction with other therapies. While it can help slow prostate cancer growth, this option is not necessarily a pathway to a cure.
  • Active surveillance – This treatment option technically involves no treatment at all. Since some forms of prostate cancer are especially slow to grow and spread, this “treatment” provides a way to track the disease while avoiding side effects in the process. It is recommended in low-risk cases.

Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are likely to find no single treatment stands out as the best. The smartest option for treatment will hinge on factors related to a man’s unique circumstances. With that in mind, it’s critical for men to discuss all their options carefully with a healthcare provider.

About Author

Dr. Echt and his team at the Prostate Seed Institute offer the most highly sophisticated methods of radiation therapy available in the United States, equal to that found in major medical center and academic settings. These include prostate seed implantation, high dose radiation implants, and external beam radiation with image-guided and intensity-modulated (IGRT and IMRT) capabilities.

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Gregory Echt

About the Author

Gregory Echt
Joined: September 27th, 2016
Articles Posted: 9

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