Radiation treatment is the most common treatment for prostate cancer. Newer versions of standard external beam radiation are considered more successful at destroying cancer cells without significantly damaging healthy cells at the same time.
History
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer was first used in the United States in 1915 and has since evolved into more precise and effective treatments that are better able to target and kill cancer cells.
Types
Standard external electron beam radiation has been improved, and newer forms are being used. These include intensity-modulated radiation, 3-D conformal radiation and conformal proton beam radiation.
Features
The newer forms of radiation treatment are computer-assisted for more precision in aiming the beam and controlling its intensity. This allows a doctor to aim higher doses at the prostate and lower doses at nearby areas.
Significance
When radiologists use one of the newer, more accurate forms of radiation therapy, less harm is done to healthy cells and tissue in the surrounding area, resulting in fewer side effects.
Side Effects
Side effects are less likely to occur and less severe when they do, but the new forms of radiation therapy may still cause some bowel and bladder problems. It is unclear if the risk of impotence common to standard radiation treatment will improve with the use of advanced therapies.
