In the case of localized disease simply observation with repeated testing to follow the progress of the tumor. In the patient whose cancer has broken through the capsule, is in both lobes of the prostate or is seen to have invaded the regional lymphglands on the CAT Scan the recommendation usually is to undergo radiation either by the implantation of radioactive pellets or by external beam xray therapy. In the situation where there is distant metastasis demonstrated the advise will vary according to the site of the spread and by the extent is the tumor invasion. Anti androgen hormone therapy is frequently able to slow the progression of the cancer and afford many years of quality life for the patient. In some cases the administration of this type of therapy actually has resulted in the disappearance of bone scan evidence of the tumor.
Some centers use antiandrogen drugs pre operatively or pre radiation.
In cases that involve metastasis to the spine extreme pain can result. In these cases localized xray therapy to the local area provides dramatic pain relief even though there is no prolongation of life. There is no question that cancer of the prostate is a complex disease. Forty one thousand men die annually. An individual is more likely to die with than from this disease.