The options for primary management of prostate cancer are surgery, radiation therapy or close observation. Treatment decisions should be based on the aggressiveness of the tumor, the stage of the tumor and the life expectancy of the patient. Only thorough discussion between physician and patient of all three choices can lead to an optimal treatment decision. Advanced prostate cancer is best managed with hormone therapy and, eventually, chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can include external and implanted seeds, a procedure known as brachytherapy.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer occurring in American men.
The ACS estimates that about 179,300 news cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 37,000 men will die of the disease in 1999. M. D. Anderson currently has numerous major studies underway for prostate cancer, including gene therapies. All rights reserved.