{"id":1535,"date":"2022-05-04T18:12:52","date_gmt":"2022-05-04T22:12:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/urology\/?page_id=1535"},"modified":"2026-09-17T12:33:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T16:33:18","slug":"radiotherapy-for-urologic-cancers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/urology\/radiotherapy-for-urologic-cancers\/","title":{"rendered":"Radiotherapy for Urologic Cancers"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1535","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

Radiation Therapy for Urologic Cancers<\/h2>\n

Radiation therapy can play an important role in treating several urologic cancers, either as a primary treatment or as part of a broader treatment plan. At Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center, urologists, urologic oncologists, radiation oncologists and other specialists work together to determine when radiation therapy may provide effective cancer control while considering urinary, sexual and overall quality of life.<\/p>\n

The role of radiation therapy differs according to the type of urologic cancer, its stage and location, previous treatment and individual patient factors. It may be used instead of surgery for some cancers, after surgery when additional treatment is appropriate, together with systemic therapy, or to treat cancer that has returned or spread to other areas of the body.<\/p>\n

How Does Radiation Therapy Treat Cancer?<\/h2>\n
\"Radiation
Robert Wollman, MD, Radiation Oncologist, with the Varian Edge linear accelerator – Saint John’s Health Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, interfering with their ability to continue growing and dividing. Treatment is carefully planned to deliver the prescribed radiation dose to the cancer and surrounding areas at risk while limiting radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues as much as possible.<\/p>\n

Modern radiation therapy combines detailed imaging, computerized treatment planning and precise radiation delivery. Depending on the cancer and treatment goal, radiation may be delivered over multiple treatment sessions or, in selected circumstances, through shorter treatment schedules using larger doses per session.<\/p>\n

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Radiation as a Primary Treatment<\/h3>\n

Radiation therapy can be used with curative intent as a primary treatment for certain urologic cancers. It is an established treatment option for many patients with localized prostate cancer and can also be an important component of bladder-preserving treatment for selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.<\/p>\n

Radiation After Surgery<\/h3>\n

Radiation may be recommended after surgery when clinical findings indicate a meaningful risk of cancer remaining or returning in the treatment area. In prostate cancer, radiation may also be used as salvage treatment when PSA or other findings indicate recurrence after prostatectomy.<\/p>\n

Radiation for Advanced or Metastatic Cancer<\/h3>\n

Radiation therapy can also be used when cancer has spread beyond its original location. Depending on the situation, treatment may help control specific areas of cancer, relieve symptoms such as pain or bleeding, or complement systemic treatments that work throughout the body.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"","layer_id":"add80"},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

How Is Radiation Therapy Used for Different Urologic Cancers?<\/h2>\n

Radiation therapy does not have the same role in every urologic cancer. For some cancers it can be a primary treatment, while for others it is used only in selected clinical situations. Treatment recommendations depend on the type and stage of cancer, its location, previous treatment and the overall goals of care.<\/p>\n

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Prostate Cancer<\/h3>\n

Radiation therapy is an established treatment option for localized prostate cancer and can provide an alternative to surgery for appropriately selected patients. Depending on prostate cancer risk and other factors, radiation may be used alone or together with hormone therapy. Radiation can also be used after prostatectomy when clinical or PSA findings indicate persistent or recurrent disease.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Prostate Cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bladder Cancer<\/h3>\n

For selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, radiation therapy can be combined with chemotherapy and maximal removal of the bladder tumor through the urethra as part of a bladder-preserving treatment approach. Radiation may also be used in other settings to control bladder cancer or relieve symptoms depending on the extent of disease.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Bladder Cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kidney and Upper Urinary Tract Cancers<\/h3>\n

Surgery remains an important treatment for many localized kidney and upper urinary tract cancers, but radiation therapy may have a role in selected situations. Highly focused radiation techniques can sometimes be considered when surgery is not appropriate, and radiation may also be used to treat metastatic disease or relieve symptoms caused by cancer in other parts of the body.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Kidney Cancer<\/a>, Ureteral Cancer<\/a> and Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Testicular Cancer<\/h3>\n

Radiation therapy has a more selective role in modern testicular cancer treatment and may be considered for certain types and stages of seminoma. Treatment decisions take into account cancer characteristics and the potential long-term effects of radiation, particularly because many patients with testicular cancer are younger and have excellent long-term survival.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Testicular Cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What Is Radiation Treatment Like?<\/h2>\n
\"Radiation
Radiation therapists help position patients accurately and comfortably for treatment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

External beam radiation therapy itself is generally not felt while the radiation is being delivered. Patients are carefully positioned for each treatment, and imaging may be used to confirm alignment before radiation delivery begins. The time spent receiving radiation is typically only part of each appointment, with additional time used for positioning, imaging and other preparation.<\/p>\n

The number and frequency of treatments vary considerably. Some radiation treatment plans are delivered over several weeks, while modern hypofractionated and stereotactic approaches can allow selected cancers to be treated in fewer sessions. The appropriate schedule depends on the cancer, treatment area, radiation technique and individual clinical circumstances.<\/p>\n

Possible Side Effects of Radiation Therapy<\/h2>\n

Side effects depend largely on the part of the body being treated, the radiation dose and treatment schedule, and whether radiation is combined with other therapies. For radiation involving the pelvis, temporary urinary frequency or urgency, bowel changes and fatigue can occur during treatment. Some effects may develop or persist after treatment, including changes in urinary, bowel or sexual function.<\/p>\n

Your radiation oncology team will explain the side effects most relevant to your treatment plan and monitor symptoms throughout treatment and follow-up.<\/p>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":"add40"},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

Radiation Treatment Planning and Simulation<\/h2>\n

Every course of radiation therapy begins with detailed treatment planning. Imaging is used to identify the treatment area and nearby organs and tissues that should receive as little radiation exposure as reasonably possible. The radiation oncologist, medical physicist, dosimetrist and radiation therapists work together to translate the physician\u2019s prescription into an individualized treatment plan.<\/p>\n

\"Three-dimensional
Three-dimensional imaging helps the radiation oncology team plan treatment while considering nearby normal tissues.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Treatment Simulation<\/h3>\n

Before treatment begins, patients undergo a simulation that establishes the position that will be used during radiation therapy and provides imaging needed for treatment planning. Immobilization devices or positioning aids may be used to help reproduce the same position during each treatment.<\/p>\n

The simulation does not deliver the prescribed cancer treatment. Instead, it gives the radiation oncology team the information needed to define treatment targets, identify nearby organs and develop the radiation plan.<\/p>\n

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy<\/h3>\n

Modern radiation systems can use imaging before and during treatment to help verify patient positioning and the location of the treatment area. This is particularly important when treating structures that can shift with changes in bladder or bowel filling, such as the prostate.<\/p>\n

Conformal and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy<\/h3>\n

Computerized planning allows radiation beams to be shaped around the treatment target while controlling dose to nearby tissues. Techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can vary the intensity of radiation across multiple treatment beams, helping radiation oncologists achieve the prescribed dose distribution while limiting exposure to surrounding organs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

SpaceOAR\u2122 Hydrogel for Prostate Radiation Therapy<\/h2>\n
\"SpaceOAR
SpaceOAR\u2122 Hydrogel creates temporary separation between the prostate and rectum during prostate radiation therapy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Because the rectum lies immediately behind the prostate, limiting radiation exposure to the rectum is an important consideration when planning prostate radiation therapy. For appropriate patients, a temporary hydrogel spacer may be placed between the prostate and rectum before radiation treatment begins.<\/p>\n

SpaceOAR\u2122 Hydrogel creates additional separation between these structures, which can reduce the amount of radiation received by the rectum during prostate treatment. Clinical studies have demonstrated reductions in rectal radiation exposure and some bowel-related side effects, although use of a hydrogel spacer does not eliminate the possibility of radiation-related side effects.<\/p>\n

The spacer is designed to remain temporarily during the radiation treatment period and is gradually absorbed by the body. Whether SpaceOAR\u2122 is appropriate depends on the individual patient, anatomy and planned radiation treatment.<\/p>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":"add40"},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

Is Radiation Therapy Right for Me?<\/h2>\n

Whether radiation therapy is appropriate depends on the type of urologic cancer, its stage and location, previous treatment, overall health and the goals of care. For some patients, radiation may provide an alternative to surgery. For others, it may be recommended together with systemic therapy, after surgery, or when cancer has returned or spread.<\/p>\n

Understanding these differences is especially important because there is rarely a single treatment approach that is right for every patient. Your care team can help you compare the expected benefits, potential side effects and long-term considerations of radiation therapy with other appropriate treatment options.<\/p>\n

Multidisciplinary Urologic Cancer Care at Providence Saint John\u2019s<\/h2>\n
\"The
The Multi-disciplinary Team at Saint John’s Health Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center, urologists, urologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and other specialists collaborate when a patient may benefit from more than one type of cancer treatment. This allows surgery, radiation therapy, systemic treatment and other approaches to be considered together rather than as separate decisions.<\/p>\n

Our goal is to develop a treatment strategy appropriate for both the cancer and the individual patient, with attention to cancer control, urinary and sexual function, recovery and quality of life.<\/p>\n","layer_is_content_auto_columns":false,"sidebar_position":"right","widgets":false,"layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-gray-l","layer_id":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_two_column","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content_left":"

If you have questions regarding treatments for urologic cancers and conditions, please call today. Click here<\/u><\/a> to request an appointment.<\/p>\n","layer_content_right":"

310-582-7137<\/a><\/p>\n","layer_icon":"","layer_icon_position":"left","layer_background_color":"bg-orange","layer_id":"add-40"},{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

Urologic Conditions<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"urologic <\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

Treatments<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Dr.<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

Prostate Robot-assisted Surgery<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"prostatectomy-using-the-da-vinci-robotic-surgery-system-providence-saint-johns-cancer-institute\" <\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

Urology Center of Excellence<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Dr.<\/a><\/div><\/div>

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\"US
<\/div><\/div>
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Providence St. John’s Health Center<\/p>\n

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High Performing in Urology<\/em><\/h4>\n

Saint John’s Health Center is nationally ranked and in the top 10% for Urology<\/strong><\/p>\n

Learn more at Health.USNews.com<\/u><\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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