One of the treatments for prostate cancer is radiation therapy. But how many radiation treatments for prostate cancer will a patient need? This blog will explain what radiation treatment is, factors that may affect the number of radiation treatments, and the different types of radiation therapies available.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is a procedure that uses powerful rays to eliminate cancerous cells. Sometimes, it uses other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. In radiation therapy, a machine directs the radiation at the cancerous tumor and gradually shrinks the size.
This approach reduces damage to healthy surrounding tissue. Radiation therapy therefore helps reduce the growth or spread of cancer cells by damaging the DNA of cancer cells.
Types of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
There are several types of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, each with its own benefits and side effects. They include the following:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
External beam radiation therapy is the use of high-energy radiation beams to the prostate from outside the body. This kind of therapy is done for several weeks; the sessions are between five to ten minutes a day. When performing the radiotherapy, EBRT destroys the cancer cells without affecting nearby non-cancerous tissues.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
IMRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to deliver precise doses of radiation to the prostate. This allows higher radiation doses to be delivered to the tumor while reducing exposure to nearby organs. IMRT is used in circumstances where the prostate tumor is close to critical organs.
- Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy, also called internal radiation therapy, involves the placement of radioactive seeds directly into the prostate to deliver targeted radiation therapy. These seeds become active with time and emit cancer cells within the prostate.
- Proton Therapy
Proton therapy is one of the external beam radiation therapy that uses protons instead of normal X-rays to target the prostate tumor.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
SBRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy that delivers high-intensity prescriptions of radiation therapy to the prostate usually for a shorter time. This type of radiation treatment takes one to five sessions. SBRT is ideal for some patients; they may not be able to attend daily radiation sessions.
How Many Radiation Treatments For Prostate Cancer
The number of times that a man with prostate cancer will undergo radiation therapy depends on the type and progression of the prostate cancer. Generally, the patient receives between 35 and 40 sessions of the treatment.
The general number of fractions depends on the radiation oncologist based on the tumor’s size, location, and the patient’s state of health. Each treatment session lasts only a few minutes, and most patients can continue with their normal daily activities after the treatment.
Factors that affect the number of radiation treatment
Several factors can determine how many radiation sessions are needed for prostate cancer. They can include any of these:
Type and stage of cancer
The type of prostate cancer, as well as the stage of the growth, can influence the number of times a person will need radiation treatment. The stage of prostate cancer may require just a couple of therapies, while aggressive-stage and systemic prostate cancer may require more sessions.
Treatment Plan
The goals of the treatment of prostate cancer will also influence the total number of radiation therapy sessions. In a curative intended treatment, additional sessions may be required to get rid of all the cancerous cells. For individuals on palliative plans, it will only require a few treatment sections.
Patient’s Health
At times, the number of treatments the patient receives radiation depends not only on the type and size of the tumor but also on their general state of health and tolerance to treatment. Those suffering from other illnesses or have weaker immune systems may require a modified treatment plan with fewer sessions.
Side Effects
The side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer can also determine the number of sessions. Fatigue, urinary problems, and skin irritation are some of the mild effects that the patient may develop; which can determine the number of sessions.
5-day radiation
Some patients may undergo a shorter 5-day radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This is called hypofractionated radiation therapy, which is a bigger dose of radiation in fewer treatments.
What happens to the prostate after radiation therapy?
After the radiation treatment for prostate cancer, the prostate gland may undergo some changes. First, the radiation can cause inflammation within the prostate that can cause frequent urination. This is known as radiation proctitis and may be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
In addition, it can damage the blood vessels that supply the prostate. This may cause a reduction in blood flow towards the gland, which can change the size and shape. In others, it can also cause tissue shrinkage and scarring, which is called radiation fibrosis.
From these changes, a lot of men may suffer long-term side effects like erectile dysfunction or even an inability to control urine. However, not all men will experience these side effects, and their severity may differ. In some cases, the prostate may also produce less semen after radiation therapy. This is because the radiation can damage the prostate’s ability to produce and store fluid.
Side Effects of Radiation Treatment
1. Skin irritation
Radiation therapy may cause redness, irritation, and even blisters on the skin of the treated area. This is very common after the radiation treatment but through proper skin care, those symptoms will disappear within one week.
2. Fatigue
Many patients undergoing radiation therapy may experience fatigue, sometimes, it can be severe. Patients need to rest during this time.
3. Hair loss
Radiation therapy may result in temporary hair loss. This side effect is usually reversible once the treatment is complete. So, there is nothing to worry about.
4. Nausea and vomiting
Radiation therapy can lead to nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may require that the patient take some medications like “avomine” to stop the vomiting.
5. Decreases blood cell counts
One of the side effects of radiation therapy is the reduction of the number of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow. This can make patients more vulnerable to diseases and can cause tiredness.
6. Emotional and mental health
Among the many side effects of radiation therapy is the emotional and mental health of the patient. Patients need to talk with friends, family members, or perhaps a therapist during during, or after the treatment.
Preparing for Radiation Therapy: What You Should Know
1. Consult with your healthcare team.
When preparing for radiation treatment, ensure that you talk to your doctor. Ask questions and make sure you understand the entire process.
2. Stay hydrated
It is vital that you take lots of water before, during, and even after radiation therapy. With this, it can also reduce effects like weakness or dehydration.
3. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Your doctor will provide you with specific guidelines on how to prepare for radiation therapy. Make sure that you follow the instructions.
4. Eat a balanced diet
Choose a diet low in fiber and high in nutrition. The idea is to eat a well-balanced diet. Take more fruits, and protein, and eat fewer carbohydrates.
5. Practice self-care
Self-care is one of the things a patient going for radiation therapy must not ignore. To achieve this, do something that will help you loosen up before your radiation therapy appointment. It may be meditation, yoga, or just a brisk walk.
Read also: How Long Is MRI For Prostate Cancer Recovery?
FAQs
- How many radiation treatments will I need for prostate cancer?
Typically, patients receive around 35-40 radiation treatments in 8-9 weeks, but this can vary depending on the stage, age, or type of cancer.
- Do you fully recover from radiation treatment for prostate cancer?
While radiation can effectively treat prostate cancer, some side effects may persist. However, many patients go on to live a healthy life after the treatment.
- Will I need additional treatments after radiation for prostate cancer?
Some patients may require additional treatments like hormone therapy or surgery, depending on the stage of the cancer.
- Are there any long-term effects of radiation treatment for prostate cancer?
Some side effects may linger, many patients experience fewer long-term effects and go on to live cancer-free lives.
- How can I support my body during radiation treatment for prostate cancer?
Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and maintaining regular check-ups with your healthcare team can help support your body through treatment.
Usually, patients with prostate cancer often receive 35-40 radiation sessions. This treatment approach targets and destroys cancer cells while reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Take note that there are different types of radiation therapy, so the number of sessions to receive the treatment will depend on several factors.
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