Prostate Cancer Treatment

Hi Badger

There are 2 kinds of brachytherapy 

LDR which involves radioactive seeds being planted in the gland and stay there.

HDR  involves tubes being inserted into the gland and some form of radioactive material placed via the tubes 

HDR is often  done with external beam as an added boost.

Brachytherapy not available everywhere.

I have read good things about all forms of Radiotherapy so take your pick but obviously your centre would need to offer the brachy.

I had external beam and found it easy.

I think brachytherapy u have a general anesthetic which I didn't fancy.

Best wishes 

Steve 

Hello badger1234 

A good question and with low grade Prostate Cancer you can have either treatment. Here's our guides to both treatments:

LDR & HDR Brachytherapy

Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

I would suggest you read both guides, work out the possible "pros and cons" of each treatment as to how they affect you personally. Once you have done that please do come back to us with any questions.

Brachytherapy isn't available everywhere - but is should be offered to you if suitable. I will "tag" our very own Alpine Wanderer  who has had Brachytherapy and came off treatment today - here's a link to his journey -  Surgery or Radiotherapy? Decision made! 

I am happy to answer any questions on Radiotherapy for you.

I hope this helps, if I can do anything else for you please let me know.

Best wishes - Brian.

Yes I have read those 2 links thanks, and Alpine journey previously.

I will see what the Oncology consultant and Urology Nurse suggest tomorrow in my first meeting following the MDT consultation last week. I have in my mind to go down the RT and HRT route, unless they persuade me otherwise to include BT. My PSA is 5.2, and Gleason 7, with contained cancer in prostate and clear bone scan.

Hello badger1234 

That sounds like a plan. Good luck with everything tomorrow and keep us posted as to how you get on.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi badger1234 - I’m pleased to see that you have read my bio, so will have an understanding of the effectiveness of the various mono or combination treatments. Unless your hospital is a brachytherapy centre of excellence with experience Brachy surgeons, I would guess that the oncologist will steer you towards EBRT, which is accurately targeted and very effective nowadays.  You have a relatively low PSA, so I’m guessing the Gleason 7 is a 3-4, with no aggressive features?  If so, your prognosis is very good for complete cure.  Let us know how you get on.    AW

My Gleason is 4;3, intermediate. Lincoln is a centre for robotic surgery and does offer Brachy. 

ps. is it usual to be offered HRT first before RT, either by injection or tablet or both?

Yes. Tablets first to prevent tumour flare, then Hormone therapy jab(s).  Usually one that lasts a month, then on to three monthly.  RT usually follows within 3 months or so.   AW