Adjuvant radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Adjuvant radiotherapy treats the area where the prostate was removed, aiming to destroy cancer cells that may remain after surgery. It may be discussed when the pathology from prostate removal shows features linked with a higher chance of local recurrence. The decision balances those findings with the prostate-specific antigen trend, urinary recovery, general health and your priorities.

Adjuvant treatment is planned after surgery before there is clear evidence of recurrence. This differs from salvage radiotherapy, which is offered in response to signs that cancer may have returned, such as a rising prostate-specific antigen result. Your specialists may discuss careful monitoring as another option, depending on the pathology and test results.

External-beam radiotherapy directs shaped beams at the prostate bed and sometimes nearby lymph-node areas. A planning scan maps the target while limiting exposure to the bladder, bowel and other surrounding tissues. Treatment is divided into appointments, with the exact course chosen by the radiation oncology team.

Tell the team about urinary leakage, difficulty emptying the bladder, bowel conditions, implanted devices and all medicines. Pelvic-floor rehabilitation may help urinary recovery before treatment. Follow the centre's instructions about bladder filling and bowel preparation because a consistent internal position helps the beams reach the planned area.

During the course, report burning when urinating, a weaker stream, frequent bowel movements, rectal discomfort, fatigue or worsening leakage. The team can check whether symptoms come from treatment, infection or another cause and suggest practical relief. Continue follow-up testing after radiotherapy so changes can be interpreted over time.

Contact the treatment team urgently if you cannot pass urine, develop heavy bleeding in urine or stool, have severe pelvic or abdominal pain, or cannot keep fluids down. Fever with painful urination may signal infection and warrants prompt assessment. Seek emergency care for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion or sudden weakness. These warnings depend on the symptom's severity, not on whether it is a common treatment effect.

Ask which pathology features prompted the recommendation and whether monitoring with early salvage treatment is an option. Discuss the proposed target area, expected urinary, bowel and sexual effects, and how existing leakage or erectile difficulties may change. Request clear instructions for preparation, after-hours contact and long-term follow-up. If hormone therapy is proposed alongside radiation, ask why it applies to your situation and what added effects to expect.