6. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill prostate cancer cells. The drugs are injected into a vein (intravenously) or taken orally as tablets. Chemotherapy drugs work by entering the bloodstream and stopping cancer cells from dividing, which stops the growth and spread of cancerous tumors. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles and each period of treatment is followed by a period of rest to allow recovery.
Chemotherapy is not used for cancer confined to the prostate. It is a treatment option for men with prostate cancer that has spread to distant areas of the body (metastasized) or for those who do not respond to treatment with hormone therapy. Chemotherapy is very unlikely to cure prostate cancer. This can take a toll on the body and common side effects can include hair loss, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, bruising or bleeding. easy and increased risk of developing infections.
7. Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery, also called cryotherapy or cryoablation, is a procedure that uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy prostate cancer cells. During this procedure, a doctor uses ultrasound guidance to place several hollow needles into the prostate. A refrigerant liquid (nitrogen or argon) is introduced into the prostate through the needles. Extremely cold temperatures destroy all cancer cells in the prostate.
Cryosurgery is generally not used as the initial treatment for prostate cancer. This may be an option for men who are in the early stages of prostate cancer or who have not responded to radiation therapy. Cryosurgery is less invasive than radical prostatectomy, and other benefits include less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, a shorter recovery period, and less swelling and pain. Possible side effects of cryosurgery include blood in the urine (hematuria), swelling of the penis or scrotum, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction.
