{"id":6503,"date":"2022-11-28T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prd-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=6503"},"modified":"2025-11-19T00:26:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T00:26:42","slug":"movember-prostate-cancer-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/movember-prostate-cancer-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"What treatments are available for prostate cancer?","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Prostate cancer<\/a> is the second most common cancer in the United States for men after skin cancer.<\/p>\n

Prostate cancer survival rates are high \u2014 among the highest of all cancers \u2014 when the cancer is detected and treated early. However, forming a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan can be complicated because it requires the collaboration of experts across different specialties.<\/p>\n

MultiCare\u2019s urology and oncology teams have partnered to improve the patient experience and offer innovative diagnostic and treatment options for prostate cancer. We dive into the different options below.<\/p>\n

Prostate fusion biopsy<\/h2>\n

For several decades, diagnostic methods didn\u2019t change much and weren\u2019t incredibly accurate until prostate tumors reached a certain size. Often, biopsies missed tumors or probed tissue that wasn\u2019t cancerous, as doctors relied on poor images to guide them.<\/p>\n

A state-of-the-art tool called prostate fusion biopsy \u2014 covered by most insurance plans \u2014 is a radical advancement. First, patients receive an MRI scan. The scan is then combined, or fused, with ultrasounds to create a clearer visualization of areas of concern. This helps doctors guide biopsy needles to the precise location.<\/p>\n

Not only is this method better at detecting cancer and getting more precise biopsies of tumors that require immediate action, but it also reduces the chances of unnecessarily treating benign tumors. Prostate fusion biopsy gives doctors better information up front, reducing the need for repeat biopsies.<\/p>\n

Urologic oncology care<\/h2>\n

For patients with prostate cancer who meet certain criteria, MultiCare\u2019s urologic oncology clinic \u2014 within MultiCare Cancer Institute – Tacoma General Hospital<\/a> \u2014 creates a one-stop shop for treatment. Urologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists collaborate on a patient\u2019s treatment plan before the visit and then coordinate treatments within a single visit.<\/p>\n

This collaborative model of care reduces the number of clinic visits required by bringing various specialists to you at a single site. Beyond convenience, it\u2019s also an opportunity for even closer collaboration among your health care team.<\/p>\n

Innovative treatments for prostate cancer<\/h2>\n

SpaceOAR hydrogel<\/h3>\n

SpaceOAR is a minimally invasive injectable gel that creates temporary space between the prostate and the rectum, protecting healthy tissues from exposure during radiation therapy. This treatment reduces side effects such as bowel and urinary incontinence and reduces impacts to sexual function. The gel is gradually absorbed by the body after radiation therapy is completed.<\/p>\n

CyberKnife stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer<\/h3>\n

Although the name may mislead you \u2014 there are no knives or incisions \u2014 CyberKnife SBRT is an image-guided treatment that delivers high doses of radiation with extreme accuracy. It targets cancer cells while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. Aside from the reduction in side effects, it reduces the treatment time of conventional radiation therapy (typically eight to nine weeks) to just a few days. Patients can recover faster with better results.<\/p>\n

Xi Robot minimally invasive surgery<\/h3>\n

MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital has a daVinci Xi Robot, the latest technology available in robotic surgery for urologic cancers. The Xi Robot provides surgeons with better maneuverability and vision, which can help improve outcomes in minimally invasive surgery.<\/p>\n

Hormone therapy (androgen suppression therapy)<\/h3>\n

This therapy is recommended for select patients with advanced stage 4 cancer for whom surgical or radiation therapy alone is not sufficient. The goal is to reduce levels of androgens (a male hormone) to stop them from stimulating the growth of prostate cancer cells. When combined with targeted therapies such as abiraterone or chemotherapy, the results can be even more beneficial.<\/p>\n

Radiopharmaceuticals for painful bone metastasis<\/h3>\n

When cancer spreads to bones, it can sometimes cause significant discomfort and affect your quality of life. This therapy involves injecting a group of radioactive drugs such as radium into the body. The drugs then settle into bones with cancerous cells and kill them. It can often relieve pain for long periods of time.<\/p>\n

Cancer research and clinical trials<\/h3>\n

Physician researchers at MultiCare are taking part in the fight against prostate cancer. MultiCare offers patients access to clinical trials evaluating new drug treatments and combinations of drug and radiation treatments for men with advanced stage prostate cancer. Clinical research leads to new, breakthrough therapies as well as pairings of approved therapies to improve prostate cancer treatment.<\/p>\n

Early detection<\/h2>\n

Early-stage prostate cancer doesn’t typically cause noticeable symptoms, which is why screening can be important for detection. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, symptoms may include:<\/p>\n