Several prostate cancer treatments can be operated to treat prostate cancer. From focused ultrasounds to brachytherapy and cryotherapy, find out more about all existing treatments in this dedicated article.
The most common prostate cancer treatments
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
HIFU treatment aims to destroy cancerous cells thanks to focused ultrasounds. A probe enables the passage of ultrasounds to the rectum, increasing efficiency of treatment. The average duration of such surgery reaches between 1.5 and 2.5h. In some cases, a short stay at the hospital is required (1 or 2 days). After the surgery, a 1 or 2 week recovery process is needed which turns out to be a pivotal benefit compared to other treatments Please note that this prostate cancer treatment preserves your quality of life by reducing side effects when it comes to urinary continence and sexuality.
>> Find out more about HIFU treatment <<
Radiation therapy
Widely used to ablate prostate tissues, this prostate cancer treatment eradicates cells thanks to high-powered energy beams. This technique is operated five days a week for a month and a half or two months. Radiation therapy is usually used at early stages of the disease. Find further information about treatment options for most advanced stages at the end of the article. Furthermore, brachytherapy contributes to the destruction of cancerous cells via internal radiations. As such, rice-sized radioactive seeds are placed within the prostate tissue which will deliver radiations in a long-term basis. Side-effects may include urinary retention, incontinence and fatigue.
Hormone therapy
This prostate treatment is used for advanced and generalized prostate cancer diseases. It stops the production of testosterone in your body, preventing cancerous cells to propagate to other organs.
Chemotherapy
Used for patients who are not receptive to hormone treatments. It decreases the growth of the cancer and reduces pain. It is usually favored and advised when no other treatments can cure such a disease. Hair loss, loss of appetite, nauseas and fatigue are the most common side effects of such a treatment.