Nowadays, medicine has many therapeutic options to treat prostate cancer. Providing care while preserving patients’ quality of life as much as possible remains a priority. What is a prostate cancer and what treatments are possible today? This article details the different solutions offered to people affected by the disease. Prostate cancer, what is it?
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour of the prostate. It is a lump, more or less or large, which comes from the excessive multiplication of abnormal cells. These are considered cancerous and characterize localized prostate cancer. What treatments are available tu cure prostate cancer ?
What are prostate cancer treatments ?
Suggested treatment to the patient depends on cancer characteristics. Urologists also take into account evolving nature of the disease and patient overall health. Today, there are several options to treat a prostate cancer. Some options focus on treating localized cancer, while others manage more extensive cancers. When cancer cells are localized, existing treatments are:
- HIFU: treatment using heat created by focusing ultrasound
- Prostatectomy (removal of the prostate, under general anaesthesia)
- External beam radiotherapy (treatment targeting ionizing rays on the prostate, about 40 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks)
- Brachytherapy (radioactive seeds implemented into the prostate, under general anaesthesia)
- Cryotherapy (treatment using cold to destroy the cancer by inserting needles, under spinal or general anaesthesia).
When localized prostate cancer does not cause symptoms, active surveillance is an option. Regular check-ups will be achieved and a treatment may be considered in case the cancer has progressed.
HIFU to cure prostate cancer
HIFU is a medical technology particularly indicated for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. The aim is to destroy cancerous cells by focusing high intensity ultrasound within the prostate gland. Temperature is thus elevated into the area to be treated, without damaging surrounding tissues. Non-invasive, without incision, HIFU treatment has several advantages:
- A radiation-free treatment that can be repeated
- A short hospital stay (often performed as “outpatient” where the patient goes home the same day)
- Few side effects compared to other treatments
HIFU is also recognized for preserving patients’ quality of life. Return to normal activities is generally quick.