What Are the Treatments for Prostate Cancer in the Elderly?

While surgery is the top treatment option chosen by men diagnosed with prostate cancer, it may not be the best choice for the elderly. There are, however, less aggressive treatment options that are not as risky and may prove more worthwhile.

The Facts

• According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a 70 year old man who is diagnosed with prostate cancer will likely die with the disease but not of it. Men over age 70 often have more incurable advanced cancers, and often suffer from additional health issues. The elderly are also less resilient and are likely to experience more side effects from aggressive treatment such as surgery.

Watchful Waiting

• Watchful waiting, otherwise known as expectant management, is often recommended for men in their late 70s or 80s. Treatment is delayed until evidence indicates that the tumor is growing.

Radiation Therapies

• External beam radiation and seed implants (brachytherapy) are therapies recommended by John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center for patients in their 60s and early 70s whereby radiation destroys the cancerous cells.

Hormonal Therapy

• Hormonal therapy, also referred to as androgen deprivation therapy, involves shutting down the hormones that nourish the prostate and its malignant cells. This treatment may be used when watchful waiting is no longer viable.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• The main advantages of less aggressive treatment options for the elderly are that they are less invasive and less risky.

  The main disadvantages of radiation therapies include rectal injury, urinary frequency and impotence. Hormonal therapy side effects include hot flashes, impotence, loss of muscle mass, breast swelling and depression.