For patients with Stage D prostate cancer, treatment options have improved, giving hope for a more comfortable, longer life and even the possibility of remission, a period when your disease is not progressing. In its earliest stages, prostate cancer is a slow-growing tumor. Advances in both these methods of treatment have been made in recent years, reducing the complications or side effects associated with each. For early stage prostate cancer, surgery and radiation therapy are equally effective in providing cure. Because of these treatment options, physicians are now asking men seeking treatment for early stage prostate cancer to actively participate in the decision-making process.
Hormonal therapy aims to curb the production of testosterone needed by the cancer cells to grow.
As a result, cancer growth may be slowed. While hormonal therapy may slow cancer growth and reduce tumor size, it may be accompanied by side effects. Decreased testosterone level can lead to hot flashes, a loss of sexual desire or impotence. Radiation may be delivered either externally or internally. External radiation therapy involves a series of brief outpatient treatment sessions, over the course of several weeks.