What should you know about IMRT for prostate cancer?

Before treatment, imaging helps the team map the prostate and nearby bladder and rectum. A planning system changes the strength of small beam segments so the dose follows the planned target. You lie still while the machine delivers radiation from several directions; the machine does not touch you.

IMRT may be used as external-beam treatment for cancer confined to the prostate or for disease needing a wider treatment area. The schedule and whether hormone treatment is added depend on tumour features, previous treatment, health, and the specialist team's plan.

Attend planning appointments and follow instructions about bladder filling and bowel preparation, because consistent anatomy can improve daily positioning. Tell the team about urinary symptoms, bowel conditions, medicines, and prior pelvic treatment. Difficulty passing urine should be reported before treatment planning.

During the course, skin in the treated area may become sensitive, and urinary or bowel changes can occur. Keep appointments, drink according to your team's advice, and report symptoms early. Your team can discuss alternatives such as brachytherapy, surgery, or other radiotherapy approaches when they fit your situation.

Contact the radiotherapy team promptly for inability to pass urine, blood in urine or stool, severe diarrhoea, fever, worsening pain, or symptoms that prevent drinking. Seek emergency help for severe weakness, confusion, heavy bleeding, or breathing difficulty.

What area will be treated, and how will imaging guide planning? How might treatment affect urinary, bowel, and sexual function? Would surgery, brachytherapy, or another radiotherapy plan be reasonable for my cancer? What symptoms should I report between sessions?