Treatment Treatment for Prostate Cancer

At the John Wayne Cancer Institute, we offer some of the most advanced treatment for prostate cancer. Our team includes a world-renowned surgeon who pioneered robotic-assisted surgery for prostate cancer.

You may receive more than one type of treatment, depending on several factors, including the grade of the tumor, where it is located and whether it has spread to other parts of your body. Before we set up a specific treatment plan for your prostate cancer, we will take the following into account:

  • Your age, overall health and medical history
  • The extent of the disease
  • Your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures or therapies
  • Expectations for the course of the disease
  • Your opinion or preference

Your urologic oncologist may suggest active surveillance if your prostate cancer is in an early stage and growing slowly. Instead of immediate treatment, your doctor will check you regularly and perform tests to monitor your prostate cancer.

Our team will discuss the options available so that you can make the best treatment decision.

Surgery

In most cases, your urologic oncologist will remove the entire prostate and nearby lymph nodes.

We specialize in robot-assisted minimally invasive prostate surgery (prostatetomy) using the da Vinci Surgical System. In this procedure, your surgeon uses a console to control miniature surgical equipment inserted into the body through tiny incisions. This minimally invasive surgery means less blood loss and pain, and a faster recovery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is an option for men with early stage prostate cancer. It also may be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

There are two types of radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer:

  • TomoTherapy: Computer imaging is used to closely target the prostate cancer. This procedure allows for a higher dose of radiation with less damage to surrounding tissue.
  • Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds are inserted into the prostate, where they attack the cancer cells by giving off radiation.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy blocks male hormones, which can cause prostate cancer to grow. This treatment is used in advanced prostate cancer, or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy. In some cases it includes surgery to remove the testicles, the body’s main source of testosterone.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cancer cells and may be used to treat advanced prostate cancer. It is usually administered intravenously.