Southlake, TX, – Men with advanced prostate cancer may find a simple change in the typical treatment protocol offers them greater hope for an extended lifespan. Researchers are finding that combining standard hormone therapy with more immediate radiation can improve patient outcomes.

“As it currently stands, both treatment protocols are often used in advanced prostate cancers, but they’re staggered instead of delivered at the same time,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Southlake Oncology, a Choice Cancer Center. “New research is showing that a combination of the two at the onset of diagnosis can extend life for many patients.”

Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancer killers of men in the United States. While it is often highly treatable in its earlier stages, more aggressive forms of the disease do exist. When this cancer is more aggressive or caught in a later phase, treatment options may be limited. In some cases, doctors may recommend only using hormone therapy at the onset of treatment. This therapy essentially starves tumors of the fuel they need, but it has a limited span of effectiveness. When it no longer works, radiation is used to help extend lives for a time.

Research is finding that combining the two therapies more immediately can significantly increase life expectancy for men with advanced stage prostate cancer. The use of radiation, however, does come with the potential for some side effects.

“Men who are diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer are urged to speak with their doctors about all treatment options,” says Dr. Echt. “When the risks versus benefits are weighed, men may find combination treatments offer them the best option.”

About Southlake Oncology

Southlake Oncology, located in the Southlake and Grapevine area is a community-focused oncology practice that delivers exceptional care to North Texas cancer patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and blood disorders. Like the other Choice Cancer Care facilities, we are an independent treatment center that is physician-owned.