A Full Spectrum of Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

Talking to our Specialists about Your Treatment Options

When you talk to a men’s cancer specialist at University Hospitals, you will engage in what we call, shared-decision-making. These conversations are designed to fully educate you about your treatment options, the potential side effects, and what to expect throughout the treatment and recovery process.

Your age and overall health are important factors to consider. Younger, otherwise healthy men may be more willing to accept the possible side effects of treatment if they offer the best chance for cure. Older men or men with other serious health problems, may be encouraged to think of prostate cancer – if it is slow growing - as a chronic disease that is unlikely to cause death. For these men, symptom management might be the best choice.

All men will benefit from a shared-decision-making conversation. Knowing your options gives you more control over your health and quality of life based on your unique circumstances.

Treatment Plans Tailored to Meet Your Unique Needs

Every prostate cancer is different so no two treatment plans are the same. The goal of treatment is always to prolong life, preserve quality of life and minimize the side effects of treatment. Treatment options may include:

ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE (AS)

Because prostate cancer typically grows very slowly, some men can live with the disease for years without symptoms. If the cancer is not aggressive and poses no immediate threat to life, doctors may not recommend treatment right away. Instead, they may suggest that the cancer be monitored over time to watch for the development of symptoms or signs that it is growing. This is often called active surveillance (AS).

While under active surveillance, a patient is regularly examined to watch for signs that the disease is progressing. Exams may include repeat PSA tests and other bloodwork, transrectal ultrasounds and digital rectal exams. If results indicate that the cancer is changing or growing, the doctor may then decide that it is time to begin treatment.

Some patients aren’t comfortable with waiting. They know they have cancer and they want to take action immediately. This is an understandable reaction but the decision to treat or not to treat prostate cancer is complicated. The treatments have side effects that can affect a man’s sexual and urinary function so it is important to understand the risks associated with treatment. New, comprehensive screening approaches combined with active surveillance can safely delay more aggressive treatments that can cause side effects and affect quality of life. In some men, additional treatments may never be necessary.

However, if the cancer is more advanced, aggressive or shows signs of progressing, one or more of the following treatments may be recommended:

• Radiation Therapy
• Medical Therapy
• Surgery

In addition, new ways to prevent and treat prostate cancer are always being studied. Ask your doctor if participation in a clinical trial might be an option for you. Patients can enter clinical trials before, during or after starting their cancer treatment.