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Treatments for Recurrent Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, the size of a walnut, that helps produce semen, which nourishes and moves sperm. The Mayo Clinic indicates that prostate cancer affects about one in six American men and is one of the most commonly occurring cancers. Though prostate cancer can be life-threatening, the survival rate has increased greatly over the last few decades. An article published by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center indicates that among men under age 70 who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, between 20 and 30 percent will develop a recurrence.

  1. Radiation Therapy

    • The National Cancer Institute indicates that the first step in treating recurrent prostate cancer is with high-energy radiation. X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources are used to kill or damage the DNA of cancer cells and shrink tumors. The goal of radiation therapy is to eradicate as much of the cancer as possible without harming nearby organs. Depending on the kind of radiation therapy you receive, the side effects may include fatigue, nausea, temporary incontinence, a burning sensation while urinating, impotence and more. Fortunately, many men who receive radiation therapy generally do not feel any pain associated with their treatment.

    Prostatectomy

    • A prostatectomy, also called prostate surgery, is a procedure to remove part or all of the prostate. Radical prostatectomy is when your entire prostate and some of the nerves and veins surrounding it are removed. One of the oldest prostate cancer treatments, prostatectomy can help patients who have confined, or localized, cancer. The goal is to prevent and ensure that the cancer has not spread outside of the prostate gland. One of the most prominent side effects of prostate surgery is its effect on sexual activity. It is possible to experience reduced blood flow to the penis, and a reduced number of nerve stimulators triggering erections.

    Hormone Therapy

    • Hormone therapy, also called androgen deprivation or androgen ablation, is a treatment used to block your body's natural hormones, which can fuel cancer growth. Because this hormone, testosterone, cannot decipher healthy cells from diseased cells, your surgeon may decide to perform endocrine surgery to remove the gland that makes testosterone. Hormone therapy may have unpleasant side effects for some patients; however, the body can readjust to its new hormone levels and some symptoms may dissipate over time. The most common side effects include constipation or diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, swelling in the breasts, insomnia and impotence or decrease in sexual drive.

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