Prostate cancer grows with male hormones such as testosterone, which is primarily made in the testicles. This strategy is called hormonal therapy. Recently, studies have shown that hormonal therapy can also provide benefits in the early stages of prostate cancer. The objective is to stop the growth of the tumor by removing the prostate. Side effects may include impotence and difficulty controlling urination.
Radiation can cause impotence, diarrhea, cramps, rectal irritation, and difficulty with urination.
Recent studies have shown that patients given CHT in conjunction with radiation therapy remained cancer-free for an average of 21 months longer than patients given only radiation therapy. CHT does not add substantial side effects to radiation therapy alone. Symptoms may not be present even in advanced prostate cancer. The goal of treating advanced prostate cancer is to slow further growth of the disease, even before symptoms begin. Slowing the growth will delay the onset of symptoms or drastically reduce their severity.