Prostate Cancer

A form of cancer that occurs in the prostate of men, prostate cancer is considered to be one of the most common forms of cancer that men can be diagnosed with. Prostate cancer typically grows at a nominal rate and initially remains solely confined to just the prostate gland. There are some forms of prostate cancer; however, that is more aggressive and can spread rapidly throughout the body1. Medical clinicians and professionals note that detecting prostate cancer early is best as individuals are able to have a better chance of successful treatment.

A common form of treatment for prostate cancer is radiation therapy. This particular form of treatment uses certain forms of radiation to rid the body of the cancer cells. There are two known types of radiation therapy: internal and external. Internal radiation therapy utilizes substances such as seeds, needles and/or wires that are placed in direct proximity to the cancer or directly into it. External radiation therapy utilizes a machine that sends radiation throughout the body toward the cancer cells. With this particular form of radiation therapy allows the field of medicine the ability to shape the beams of radiation to fit the respective tumor due to 3-D imaging2. Treatment is performed in accordance with frequency. Imaging frequency is dependent on the scope of the cancer diagnosis (how early is it diagnosed) and the size of the overall tumor3.

Catton et al. (2003) analyzed that certain strategies and management can be implemented as a follow-up protocol post-radiation treatment. Specifically, certain imaging techniques may be used to assess the effectiveness of the radiation treatment. One such imaging technique is Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography which depicts the activity metabolic wise associated with cancer. Another form of imaging that is used is capromab pendetide imaging, which is an antibody that is directed toward the prostate itself 4.

References

Mayo Clinic. Prostate cancer. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer/DS00043. Accessibility verified September 22, 2013.

National Cancer Institute. Prostate Cancer Treatment - Treatment Option Overview. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/prostate/Patient/page4#Keypoint16. Accessibility verified September 24, 2013.

Herman, MG, Kruse, JJ, Hagness, CR. Guide to clinical use of electronic portal imaging. J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2000; 1: 38-57.

Catton, C, Milosevic, M, Warde, et al. Recurrent prostate cancer following external beam radiotherapy: Follow-up strategies and management. Urol Clin N Am. 2003; 30: 751-763.