Treatment by stage Treatment of cancer of the prostate depends on the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and overall health. A doctor may choose to follow the patient's condition more closely rather than starting treatment immediately. This decision depends on whether the patient has symptoms of the disease, is elderly, has another more serious illness, or has only slightly abnormal tumor cells. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired.
Clinical trials are ongoing in most parts of the country for most stages of cancer of the prostate.
A doctor may follow the patient's condition closely without any treatment. The doctor may choose this option because the cancer is not causing any symptoms or other problems, and may be growing slowly. Radiation therapy may be given after surgery in some cases. Placing radioactive substances in or around the tumor. A clinical trial of new techniques of radiation therapy.