3 Key Takeaways:
- Active surveillance lets low-risk patients avoid unnecessary side effects.
- Brachytherapy offers high 10-year survival with fewer urinary/sexual impacts.
- Hormone therapy controls advanced cancer in 95% of cases but has notable side effects.
Prostate cancer treatment options can feel overwhelming, especially when considering factors like stage, side effects, and personal preferences. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common approaches—active surveillance, brachytherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, and radiation—so you can confidently discuss your care with the St. Pete Urology team. By the end, you’ll understand the pros and cons of each and feel empowered to make the best decision for your health.
Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
Active surveillance is a non‑invasive strategy for men with low-risk, early-stage prostate cancer. Instead of immediate treatment, patients in St. Petersburg are monitored with regular PSA blood tests, digital rectal exams (DRE), and MRI scans. It’s especially suitable for men with slow-growing tumors who wish to avoid the side effects of surgery or radiation. Many men remain on surveillance for years without needing active treatment.
Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer
Brachytherapy involves implanting radioactive seeds directly into the prostate. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s a highly effective option for localized cancer and can be completed in a single outpatient session. In a recent study, over 50,000 men received LDR brachytherapy yearly in the U.S., showing 10‑year survival rates comparable to surgery, with fewer urinary and erectile side effects.
Hormone Therapy – Common Patient Questions
Why use hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation) lowers testosterone to slow cancer growth in advanced cases.
How common are side effects?
Up to 70% of men experience hot flashes, loss of libido, fatigue, and bone density loss within the first year .
Does it work?
Yes — hormone therapy controls tumor growth in over 95% of metastatic cases and normalizes PSA in 70% of men.
Surgery vs Radiation – Making the Right Choice
Choosing between prostatectomy and external beam radiation depends on cancer stage, patient health, and tolerances. Both offer similar 10-year survival rates for localized tumors. Surgery has a slightly higher risk of urinary incontinence, while radiation may increase mild bowel irritation . Many men in St. Petersburg discuss options like robotic‐assisted surgery or IMRT radiation with their urology team to weigh benefits and side effects.
Understanding prostate cancer treatment options helps you take an active role in your care. Whether you choose active surveillance, brachytherapy, hormone therapy, or surgery/radiation, each path has benefits and trade‑offs. The urologists at St. Pete Urology are here to guide you through personalized care. Call us today for a consultation and start your journey with confidence.
References:
- Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 4). Prostate cancer – Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases‑conditions/prostate-cancer/diagnosis‑treatment/drc‑20353093
- National Cancer Institute. (2024). Hormone therapy for prostate cancer: Fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/prostate‑hormone‑therapy‑fact‑sheet
- National Cancer Institute. (2024, May). Prostate cancer treatment (PDQ®). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/patient/prostate‑treatment‑pdq
- Mayo Clinic. (2025, May 1). Metastatic prostate cancer – Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases‑conditions/metastatic‑prostate‑cancer/diagnosis‑treatment/drc‑20377972
