Prostate cancer treatment with radiotherapy

Radiation therapy aims to kill malignant prostate cells with ionizing radiation beams targeted at the tumor. Radiotherapy is given before the surgery, the so-called neoadjuvant approach. In comparison, adjuvant radiotherapy removes remaining prostate cancer after the operation. It is worth mentioning that prostate cancer metastases are also a common target for radiotherapy. The main objective of radiation therapy is to ensure maximum damage to the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues. Therefore, planning is an obligatory stage of preparation. It is based on carefully calculating the optimal radiation dosage, considering the tumor's size. Planning begins with creating a 3D model of the patient based on a series of scans made on a specialized CT scanner. Then, with the help of special software, the area affected by cancer cells is outlined. The treatment takes place on a unique device, similar to a CT scanner, which generates radiation beams. Then, the doctor puts the patient on the table. Irradiation lasts several minutes (usually from 5 to 15). The whole treatment course takes from three to eight weeks. The doctor controls the entire process from the next room.