Because radiation tends to have the fewest side effects when compared to other forms of prostate cancer therapy, it is often the first one that your doctor will recommend. Unfortunately, prostate cancer after radiotherapy cannot be treated in the same way if it returns. Hormone therapy can be used for a number of purposes to treat prostate cancer after radiotherapy. In addition, surgery is also often used after radiation therapy proves ineffective in completely halting the tumor growth.
Among other things, it is well known that prostate cancer thrives on testosterone. If the growth of prostate cancer after radiotherapy begins to increase again, anything that stops testosterone production will often be effective in eradicating the tumor. Not so long ago, this was accomplished by removing the testicles. Today, there are safe, reliable medications that can accomplish the same goal, without permanent consequences. That said, men may still experience emotional distress while under treatment with these medicines.
Many doctors are also concerned about the tendency of radiation to weaken the bones. Research indicates that certain hormones can help insulate bone cells from radiation damage. Therefore, treatment for prostate cancer after radiotherapy sessions may include follow up with hormones known to offer this protection.
For many years now, doctors have been aware that estrogen and estrogen-like hormones can eradicate prostate tumors. Unfortunately, the dosage required often causes heart failure and brain embolism. That said, similar compounds may still be used to treat prostate cancer after radiotherapy fails. In some cases, adding flax seed and soy to your diet may expose you to plant based female hormones that may assist your body in getting rid of the cancer.
Along with treating prostate cancer after radiotherapy fails at the primary tumor site, hormones can also be used to treat the metastasis. Because malignant prostate cells have a tendency to migrate to the bones, in particular the spine, hormones are especially useful in helping eliminate the malignancy. That said, these tumors can still be very painful and contribute to easy breakage of the bones. Just remember there is a life after prostate cancer therapy.
If you are concerned about the chances of the return of prostate cancer after radiotherapy, you may want to opt for surgical removal of the prostate, as well as try hormonal therapies. By the time you have undergone radiation treatment, the tumor may well shrink to a size where your doctor considers it safe enough to try and remove. That said, going through this surgery may not significantly reduce the chances of the return of prostate cancer after radiotherapy.
Both doctors and patients are concerned about the potential return of prostate cancer after radiotherapy. In particular, prostate cancer metastasis to the bones can easily disrupt bone marrow function, as well as lead to other problems. In some cases, the usage of hormonal therapies after radiation treatments can decrease the risk of this happening, as well as act as a primary therapy if the cancer comes back in later years. Aside from surgery, hormone treatments are one of the most often utilized treatments for prostate cancer after radiotherapy fails.