Prostate Cancer Treatment: Radiation Therapy and What to Expect
Radiation therapy is a key component of prostate cancer care and is widely used in Singapore. It offers several approaches tailored to patient needs and cancer severity, playing a critical role in men’s cancer care Singapore.
Types of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
- VMAT and IMRT: These advanced techniques focus high-energy beams on the prostate, minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues. Patients usually receive treatments five days a week over 4 to 8 weeks for best results.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): SBRT delivers high doses in 1-5 sessions, improving convenience. It uses precise targeting, which reduces harm to healthy tissues. SBRT is particularly helpful for localized, small tumors.
- Proton Therapy
- A newer form, proton therapy directs energy to the tumor without penetrating healthy tissue. This helps protect organs such as the bladder and rectum, reducing overall side effects. In Singapore, intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and SBRT with protons are becoming available.
- Brachytherapy
- This internal radiation technique places radioactive seeds into the prostate. Brachytherapy is suitable for some localized cases and releases low doses over a long period.
What to Expect During Radiation Therapy
- Treatment Sessions: Radiation is typically administered daily (Monday to Friday), with each session lasting 15-20 minutes. Courses often extend over several weeks, though SBRT and proton therapy can be completed in fewer sessions.
- Personalized Treatment: Oncologists tailor therapy according to cancer stage, patient health, and other factors, ensuring optimal outcomes.
Cancer Therapy Side Effects
Radiation therapy, while precise, can affect healthy cells surrounding the prostate. Common cancer therapy side effects include:
- Urinary changes: Increased frequency, urgency, or mild discomfort. Rarely, some may experience longer-lasting issues.
- Bowel symptoms: Mild rectal bleeding, loose stools, or discomfort may occur due to rectal exposure.
- Fatigue: A general sense of tiredness during and after treatment.
- Skin sensitivity: Some redness or soreness in the treated area, though usually mild.
- Sexual function: Possible temporary or long-term effects on erectile function; discuss concerns with your care team.
Most side effects are manageable and resolve after treatment ends. Modern techniques like IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, and proton therapy greatly reduce the risk and severity of these effects.
Prostate Cancer Care in Singapore
Cancer centers in Singapore offer multidisciplinary support for prostate cancer radiation care, focusing on both treatment efficacy and patient well-being. Ongoing follow-up is available to help manage side effects and monitor recovery, supporting men throughout their cancer journey.
Understanding your options and expected experiences with radiation therapy empowers you to make confident decisions in your prostate cancer care. If you are considering radiation therapy, consult with a specialized cancer center in Singapore for advice tailored to your condition.
Disclaimer: The content for this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your oncologist with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this site.