Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Prostate Cancer

According to the 2001 California Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 200,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the U.S. each year. There are several non-pharmacological treatment methods to consider, so it is in your best interest to be educated and informed when it comes to making a decision about treatment.

Surgical Options

• Radical prostatectomy is a procedure in which the entire prostate gland is removed through tiny incisions using an instrument called a laparoscope. Perineal prostatectomy involves the removal of the prostate through a large incision between the scrotum and rectum. A robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, using the costly da Vinci surgical system, is also available at hospitals in major cities.

Radiation Therapies

• There are two chief delivery methods of radiation to destroy cancerous tumors in the prostate. Brachytherapy involves the implantation of radioactive seeds, and external beam radiation uses high-energy radiation from an outside source. In addition, a less popular treatment, proton beam radiation, uses protons in lieu of gamma rays.

Watchful Waiting

• Watchful waiting, or expectant management, is the deferral of treatment until the cancer begins to grow.

Alternative Treatments

• Acupuncture, dietary therapies, magnetic therapy, vitamins and herbal therapies are some of the alternative treatments that may be used in conjunction with traditional plans.

Emerging Options

• Thermal therapy delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to virtually cook the malignant cells. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) kills tumors by delivering heat through needles. Light therapy uses a laser that destroys the cancer and its blood supply. Cryrotherapy involves the freezing of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue.