Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for prostate cancer. It may be used to cure localized cancer, reduce the risk of recurrence, or control cancer that has spread.
Modern techniques such as IMRT, VMAT, IGRT and SBRT allow precise treatment of the prostate while minimizing radiation to the bladder and rectum.
When Is Radiation Therapy Used?
Radiation therapy may be recommended:
- Localized prostate cancer: As a curative treatment, either alone or with hormone therapy depending on the risk group.
- Locally advanced prostate cancer: Often combined with hormone therapy.
- After surgery: In selected patients with persistent or recurrent PSA or other high-risk features.
- Recurrent prostate cancer: Radiation may be used when cancer returns, particularly as salvage treatment after surgery.
- Advanced disease: Radiation can help relieve symptoms such as bone pain or control selected sites of cancer spread.
What Are the Types of Radiation Therapy?
External Beam Radiation Therapy
Radiation is delivered from outside the body using techniques such as IMRT, VMAT and IGRT.
Treatment may be given over several weeks, depending on the treatment schedule.
SBRT
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) delivers a highly precise, high dose of radiation in only a few sessions.
For appropriately selected patients with localized prostate cancer, SBRT can provide effective cancer control with a much shorter treatment course.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or near the prostate.
It may be used as:
- A treatment for selected localized prostate cancers
- A boost along with external radiation in selected higher-risk cancers
The choice between external radiation, SBRT, brachytherapy or a combination depends on the cancer risk group, prostate size, urinary symptoms and overall health.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Treatment duration varies depending on the technique.
- SBRT: Usually around 5 sessions
- Moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy: Often around 4–6 weeks
- Conventional radiotherapy: May require several weeks
- Brachytherapy: May be completed in one or a few procedures, depending on the technique
Your radiation oncologist will recommend the most appropriate schedule for you.
Is Hormone Therapy Needed?
Some patients require androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) along with radiation.
Hormone therapy reduces testosterone levels and can improve treatment effectiveness, particularly in intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer.
The duration depends on the risk category and individual treatment plan.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Most patients tolerate modern prostate radiotherapy well. Possible side effects include:
- Increased frequency or urgency of urination
- Burning while passing urine
- Loose stools or increased bowel frequency
- Rectal discomfort or bleeding, less commonly
- Tiredness
- Changes in sexual function over time
Most urinary and bowel symptoms improve after treatment.
Modern image-guided techniques help reduce radiation exposure to the bladder and rectum.
Does Radiation Therapy Cause Sexual Problems?
Radiation therapy can affect erectile function in some men, particularly over time.
The risk depends on:
- Age
- Baseline erectile function
- Hormone therapy
- Other medical conditions
- Type and dose of radiation
Your doctor can discuss ways to prevent or manage these changes.
Is Prostate Radiation Painful?
No. External-beam radiation therapy is painless.
You simply lie comfortably on the treatment couch while the radiation is delivered. Each session generally takes only a few minutes.
You are not radioactive after external-beam radiation therapy.
Can Radiation Cure Prostate Cancer?
Yes. Radiation therapy can be curative for many men with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer.
Treatment is individualized according to:
- PSA level
- Gleason score / Grade Group
- MRI findings
- Cancer stage
- Extent of disease
- Urinary symptoms
- Overall health
Why Choose Modern Radiation Therapy?
Modern prostate radiotherapy uses IMRT, VMAT and IGRT to accurately target the prostate while minimizing radiation to nearby organs such as the bladder and rectum.
For selected patients, SBRT offers the advantage of completing treatment in just a few sessions.
Book a Consultation
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, a radiation oncology consultation can help determine whether radiotherapy is appropriate and which treatment approach is best for you.
