This option is usually used on men who would not be good candidates for other surgery or radiation therapy. The advantage is that the procedure avoids major surgery, is done on an outpatient basis and has a reduced incidence of surgical complications, including impotence and incontinence. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy, the use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, is not widely used in prostate cancer, but new drugs may show some promise. The male hormone testosterone can fuel the growth of prostate cancer. Sometimes, if the prostate cancer has spread to other organs, physicians may recommend hormone therapy.
Patients take hormones that work against the action of testosterone.
Discuss possible side effects with your physician. Watchful Waiting Sometimes, patients with prostate cancer receive no treatment, but are carefully monitored and observed. Because prostate cancer often spreads very slowly, many older men who have the disease never need any treatment. Most deferred therapy strategies include a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam every six months. All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.