How is external beam radiation therapy used to treat advanced prostate cancer?
ANSWER
External beam radiation therapy focuses X-rays on your prostate from a machine outside your body. The doctor will direct the radiation right to the gland and adjust the dose to target the cancer without damaging other parts of your body. The treatment takes just a few minutes, and it doesn’t hurt. You’ll probably go in to a clinic and get it five days per week for about seven to nine weeks.
From: Treatment for Advanced Prostate Cancer WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian on July 22, 2017
SOURCES:
American Cancer Society: “Hormone (androgen deprivation) therapy for prostate cancer,” "Prostate Cancer," “Radium-223 dichloride.”
Horwich, A. , 2013. Annals of Oncology
National Cancer Institute: "Prostate Cancer PDQ."
National Comprehensive Cancer Network: "Prostate Cancer: NCCN Guidelines for Patients."
Prostate Cancer Foundation: "Understanding Prostate Cancer--Treatment Options."
SOURCES:
American Cancer Society: “Hormone (androgen deprivation) therapy for prostate cancer,” "Prostate Cancer," “Radium-223 dichloride.”
Horwich, A. , 2013. Annals of Oncology
National Cancer Institute: "Prostate Cancer PDQ."
National Comprehensive Cancer Network: "Prostate Cancer: NCCN Guidelines for Patients."
Prostate Cancer Foundation: "Understanding Prostate Cancer--Treatment Options."
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