[b]Irving, Texas[/b] – There are several treatment options for prostate cancer, although experts have confirmed that there is no single perfect therapy for any one patient. Patients are equipped with all the information needed to make informed decisions regarding their unique case. The various methods of treatment that are highly effective include high dose radiation implants, brachytherapy and external beam radiation with intensity modulated (IMRT) and image-guided (IGRT) capabilities.

"Once the diagnosis for prostate cancer is performed, the patient should work with their doctor to determine the best treatment option for their case," explained Dr. Echt. “Treatment for prostate cancer depends on various factors such as the stage of the cancer, the age of the patient, their overall health, the potential side effects of the treatment and what is most important when maintaining their quality of life during their treatment.”

Treatment options for prostate cancer include:

• [b]Radiation therapy[/b] – It’s the most commonly used treatment for prostate cancer. Radiation therapy aims at controlling cancer growth, curing the disease and relieving cancer symptoms like pain. It damages the cancer cells and stops them from reproducing. Though it affects normal cells, the cells can recover but cancer cells cannot.

• [b]Prostate Seed Implantation (Brachytherapy)[/b] – This is a highly effective procedure where tiny radioactive seeds are placed in the prostate tumor location. With time the seed material disintegrates and emits low doses of radiation. After a few weeks or months, the seed will have entirely disintegrated leaving no radioactive material behind. It is a procedure that is non-invasive, and it takes about an hour.

• [b]High Dose Radiation Therapy (HDR)[/b] – It is a form of internal radiation where radioactive seeds are temporarily placed in the prostate. The radioactive material in the seeds is more than that used in the traditional seed implants. The patient stays in hospital, and a template gets fitted to the treatment area. The procedure takes two or three times of seed placement, with repetitions done two weeks later.

• Other treatment options include external beam radiation, a combination of seed implant and external beam radiation therapy for patients at high risk and hormonal therapy for large cancerous tumors. Hormonal therapy helps to suppress and eliminate the cancer.

“For whatever treatment option you decide on, speak with your oncologist first and get more information regarding all of your options,” concluded Dr. Echt.

[b]About The Prostate Seed Institute[/b]

The Prostate Seed Institute is one of the country’s leading pioneers in prostate cancer treatment including prostate seed implementation, a fast and painless procedure that effectively treats prostate cancer in its earliest stages. With a team of oncology experts and a state-of-the-art facility, the Prostate Seed Institute provides prostate cancer patients with the most comprehensive treatment available.