New computer imaging techniques help focus the radiation beam on the tumor, away from healthy tissue. Hormone therapy seeks to control prostate cancer by limiting the supply of hormones that cancer cells need to grow. It is used in advanced cases in which the cancer has spread outside the gland. Doctors can reduce or eliminate the supply of testosterone by administering anti-androgen drugs or LHRH analogs or by surgically removing the testis. Side effects vary but may include impotence or loss of sexual desire, breast tenderness or swelling, diarrhea, tiredness, and signs of osteoporosis.
Chemotherapy uses toxic drugs to slow or reverse the spread of the disease in advanced cases.
These drugs, which are injected into the blood and poison rapidly dividing cells, also affect healthy dividing cells in the blood, intestine and hair. Common side effects include nausea, hair loss and anemia. Side effects are often alleviated through the use of other drugs.