Types of radiation for prostate cancer

External radiotherapy aims beams at the prostate and nearby areas from a treatment machine. Brachytherapy places radioactive sources in or near the prostate, either temporarily or as small seeds that remain in place. Targeted radioisotope therapy uses a radioactive medicine that travels through the body to cells carrying a particular marker; it may be considered when prostate cancer has spread or stopped responding to other approaches.

The choice depends on the cancer’s extent, previous treatment, urinary symptoms, general health, and whether the prostate or distant areas need treatment. Radiation may be used alone, with hormone treatment, after surgery, or to ease symptoms from cancer in the bones.

Bring a list of medicines, previous procedures, bowel or bladder conditions, and any difficulty passing urine. Ask whether imaging, a planning scan, or marker placement is needed before treatment. Discuss how appointments are scheduled, how urinary and bowel changes will be monitored, and whether sexual function or fertility could be affected. A radiation specialist can explain why one approach fits your scan findings and treatment goals.

Contact your oncology team promptly for inability to pass urine, worsening blood in the urine or stool, severe pelvic pain, fever, or new leg weakness or numbness. Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, severe shortness of breath, or confusion needs urgent medical attention. New bone pain should also be reported because prostate cancer can involve bone and may need a different treatment plan.

Which radiation type matches the location and extent of my cancer? Is hormone treatment recommended with it? What preparation and follow-up will I need? Which urinary, bowel, sexual, or fatigue changes should I report? If cancer is in my bones, would targeted radioisotope therapy or bone-strengthening therapy be relevant?