Decatur, TX – Radiation treatments after prostate cancer surgery are often recommended to ensure the disease has been truly eradicated. In addition, this measure can lower the odds that cancer will reappear. Despite these two compelling reasons for radiation therapy following surgery, the medical community has been largely divided on just when is the best time to proceed with radiation. Some doctors prefer administering a course right away, but others lean toward a wait-and-see approach. The notion has been that waiting can help prevent side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence.

“Two new studies courtesy of the University of Virginia Health System are lending hard facts to this argument once and for all,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise. “Researchers have found that delaying radiation treatment for as long as possible has no major impact side effect incidence rates.”

Men, understandably, are highly attuned to the potential side effects that may include incontinence and erectile dysfunction, Dr. Echt says. The studies, however, find that there is no real protective benefit found when treatments are delayed. In fact, for those at higher risk of recurrence, delaying treatment can prove an unwise path.

To arrive at their findings, doctors at the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine reviewed 16,000 patient outcomes. The end result was the finding that no real benefit in reduction of side effect chances is found when radiation is delayed by six months, 12 months or even 18 months.

“The bottom line is that it is critical for men to carefully review their treatment options with their physicians,” Dr. Echt says. “If there is a high chance that cancer cells were left behind after surgery or that recurrence is likely, there is now compelling evidence to suggest that taking a wait-and-see approach just might not be advisable. With that in mind, it’s best for men to work closely with their own doctors to choose the wisest course of action to meet the needs of a specific case.”

About the Center:

Established by leading radiation oncologist, Dr. Gregory Echt, North Texas Cancer Center at Wise provides a full range of cancer treatment options including chemotherapy, radiation therapy (IMRT, IGRT, and SBRT), prostate seed implantation, MammoSite therapy, access to PET/CT scanner, hormonal therapy, and combination therapy.