Category: Prostate Cancer Radiation

Emerging research reveals that early PSA after radiation and androgen deprivation therapy can help predict prostate cancer outcomes. Meanwhile, a new genomic test is showing potential for identifying which patients face higher risk of long-term urinary side effects. keep reading

Why do some radiation side effects show up right away while others don’t appear for years? Understanding the difference between early and late effects—and how new approaches are lowering risks—can help patients prepare for treatment with greater confidence. keep reading

Not all biopsies are created equal. When it comes to planning radiation treatment, real-time MRI guidance makes all the difference. Learn how this advanced approach helps doctors target cancer more precisely and reduce the risk of prostate cancer returning. keep reading

Radiation doesn’t always mean the end of prostate cancer. Could focal therapy offer hope for recurrence? A new study on MRI-guided TULSA sheds light on benefits—and risks—that patients should know. keep reading

“I’m sorry to say your prostate cancer has recurred.” No one wants to hear that message after an initial whole-gland treatment like surgery or radiation. While 5-year survival rates for localized prostate cancer approach 100%, over the longer term as many as 20-40% of patients will experience recurrence. Recurrence after radiation treatment offers a unique opportunity... keep reading

The term “biochemical failure” means the presence of a rising PSA after any prostate cancer treatment. In fact, a rising PSA is the gold standard for suspecting prostate cancer recurrence (the cancer has come back). However, a precise, universal standard for defining biochemical failure is difficult because... keep reading

There’s a saying that less is more. However, The Minimalists wonder, “But is less really more? And if so, is the opposite true? Is more actually less?” For some patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa), more may be too much—at least in the short term after treatment. I came across two newsworthy April 2023 journal keep reading

Radiation as a prostate cancer treatment is an alternative to surgery, especially for patients whose age or other health conditions means they’re not good candidates for surgery. There are other reasons for choosing radiation, especially among men who don’t like what they learn about the potential urinary and sexual side effects of prostatectomy or a keep reading

When it comes to treating prostate cancer (PCa) with radiation, there’s a new kid on the block. Conventional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) has been routinely performed for more than half a century. EBRT targets the whole gland. It is considered a safe and effective alternative to surgical gland removal (radical prostatectomy). Since its original keep reading

What goes up may not come down.  At least, that’s what a new trend in prostate radiation therapy might lead you to believe. The trend is radiation dose escalation. It is occurring in patients who have a radical prostatectomy but whose clinical factors are considered to be a high risk for recurrence. By clinical factors, keep reading