Most prostate cancers are treated by two different types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (or internal radiation). Both EBRT and brachytherapy use targeted radiation to detect and kill cancer cells, however each therapy uses a different process for doing so. Working with a trusted oncology team that can help determine which type of radiation treatment or treatments is right for your individual case is vital in giving you the best possible results.
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
External beam radiation (or EBRT) works by directing high-energy x-rays at the entirety of the prostate to treat the existing cancer. These x-rays target cancer cells in and around the prostate, killing the cells and reducing the chances of any cancer cells spreading elsewhere in the body. This is done by destroying the genetic material within the cells, eliminating their ability to grow and divide. This reduces the chances of the cancer spreading while preserving the healthy areas and minimizing the symptoms and side effects of radiation therapy. EBRT is also performed non-invasively, meaning that the machine does not make physical contact with your body. The entirety of the radiation treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, so there is no need for patients to be hospitalized over the course of their treatment.
Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy)
Brachytherapy (or “internal radiation”) is a type of radiation therapy that delivers radiation to the infected area(s) from inside the body. Like EBRT, brachytherapy concentrates radiation only on the cancer cells, minimizing excess radiation and the side effects that radiation can bring when exposed to non-cancerous cells in a patient’s body. However, unlike EBRT, internal radiation can be somewhat invasive: some brachytherapy treatments involve placing temporary or permanent implants within a patient’s body to slowly release controlled amounts of radiation to a patient over time (as opposed to EBRT which delivers the radiation all at once in an appointment).
Some prostate cancer patients are also treated with radiopharmaceuticals, which are a type of intravenous drug that deliver radiation therapy directly to cancer cells. These radiopharmaceuticals include Xofigo (radium 223) and Pluvicto (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan). Xofigo is typically used to treat prostate cancer that has already been previously treated by hormones or has already spread to the bones but not to other organs. Pluvicto is used for prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, and that has proven resistant against previous forms of cancer treatment.
Which Radiation Treatment Is Right for You?
When seeking any type of radiation treatment, it’s important to work with a radiation oncology center that acknowledges your case as unique. Every cancer patient has individual needs that can only be served best with a highly tailored approach from a dedicated and experienced radiation oncology team. If you or someone you know has recently received a prostate cancer diagnosis, reach out to our team to make an appointment and discuss with us what type(s) of treatment would be right for you. Visit the First Appointment page to learn more about what to expect at your first appointment.