Procedure guide · Urology and oncology
Prostate cancer treatment ranges from careful monitoring to surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and other drugs. The US National Cancer Institute explains that the choice depends on the stage and grade of the cancer, your age and health, and your wishes. Some men need no immediate treatment. A urologist and oncologist advise after reviewing your PSA, biopsy and scans.
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
The NCI describes these standard approaches:
- Watchful waiting and active surveillance: close monitoring without immediate treatment, with treatment started if test results change
- Surgery: radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and nearby tissue, sometimes with lymph nodes
- Radiation therapy: external beam treatment, or internal treatment with radioactive seeds or wires placed in or near the cancer
- Hormone therapy: removing or blocking hormones to stop cancer cells growing, including androgen deprivation therapy
- Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiopharmaceuticals for cancer that has spread
- Bisphosphonates to reduce bone problems when cancer has spread to bone
Who may be suited to each approach?
The NCI lists the factors that shape options. They include the stage of the cancer, based on PSA level, Grade Group and spread; your age and general health; whether the cancer is new or has come back; and the side effects you are willing to accept. The NCI notes that watchful waiting may suit older men without symptoms or with other health conditions.
Surgery and radiation can both cause urinary problems and erection problems, according to the NCI. The trade-offs differ between treatments. Your urologist and oncologist explain them, and the choice is shared with you.
Which reports does a prostate cancer team usually ask for?
The NCI describes the tests used to diagnose and stage prostate cancer. Ask the hospital whether it needs:
- a series of PSA results with dates
- the prostate biopsy report with the Gleason score or Grade Group
- prostate MRI images and report
- staging scans such as a bone scan, CT or PSMA PET, if done
- details of any urinary symptoms and medicines
- a summary of other health conditions
How do I plan prostate cancer treatment in India?
The plan depends on the treatment. Surgery means a hospital stay and time near the hospital for recovery checks before you fly. External beam radiation usually means daily sessions over a course, so accommodation close to the centre matters. Hormone therapy and other drugs continue for months or longer, so they need a doctor at home. Your team decides the length of stay.
Ask for a written summary of the final pathology after surgery, or the dose and area after radiation. Agree a PSA testing schedule with your doctor at home. Bring an attendant, especially after surgery. Pack loose clothing and supplies for any urinary leakage on the flight home.
What should I ask the hospital before booking?
- Is active surveillance an option for me?
- How do surgery and radiation compare for my cancer and my priorities?
- If surgery, which technique will you use and will lymph nodes be removed?
- How long will I have a urinary catheter?
- Will I need hormone therapy and for how long?
- How often should my PSA be checked at home and who will act on the results?
Who decides
IndiaMedica does not give medical advice. Your oncology team decides on treatment, its schedule, how long you stay and when it is safe to travel.
Questions people ask
Does every prostate cancer need treatment straight away?
No. The NCI describes active surveillance and watchful waiting, where the cancer is monitored closely and treatment starts only if tests show change. Whether this suits you depends on your cancer’s grade and stage and your health. Your specialist advises.
What is a PSMA PET scan?
The NCI explains that a PSMA PET scan may be used to help find prostate cancer that has come back or spread. It is one of several staging tests. Your team decides which scans are needed and whether existing scans from home are enough.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.