By Satyendra Persaud MBBS DM (Urol) FCCS
Registrar, Department of Urology
San Fernando General Hospital,
Trinidad and Tobago
We have already noted that there are several ways in which we can treat prostate cancer confined to the prostate. One option which we discussed last time, was radical prostatectomy or removal of the prostate. Today, we will discuss radiation therapy.
How is radiation
therapy delivered?
Usually radiation is delivered in one of two ways:
External beam radiotherapy in which the beams are aimed at the prostate from outside the body
Brachytherapy in which radioactive seeds are implanted in the body and deliver a dose of radiation over time
How is external beam radiotherapy carried out?
Once your cancer is deemed to be localized to the prostate you may be a candidate for radiotherapy. Think of it as an X-ray except much more powerful. Your therapist will plan your radiotherapy, by determining the angles at which to aim the