Prostate Cancer Treatment Options: A Complete Guide

A prostate cancer diagnosis brings immediate questions about treatment. The good news: most prostate cancers are highly curable, and modern medicine offers an unprecedented range of options — many of which preserve urinary and sexual function. Dr. Christopher Vendryes, MD guides South Florida men through every step of the decision-making process.

Active Surveillance

For low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancers, active surveillance — close monitoring with PSA testing, MRI, and periodic biopsy — is often the safest first choice. It avoids treatment side effects in men whose cancer may never need intervention.

Robotic Prostatectomy

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy uses the da Vinci system to remove the prostate through small incisions. Benefits include shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, less blood loss, and improved preservation of urinary continence and erectile function.

External Beam Radiation Therapy

Modern radiation techniques — IMRT, IGRT, and SBRT — deliver precise high-dose radiation while sparing surrounding tissue. Cure rates rival surgery for localized prostate cancer, with a different side effect profile.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive seeds directly into the prostate. It can be used alone for low- and intermediate-risk cancers or combined with external beam radiation for higher-risk disease.

Hormone and Systemic Therapies

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is used alongside radiation for higher-risk cancers and as primary treatment for metastatic disease. Newer agents like abiraterone, enzalutamide, and PSMA-targeted therapies have transformed advanced prostate cancer survival.

Choosing the Right Treatment

The best treatment depends on cancer grade and stage, age, overall health, and personal priorities. Dr. Vendryes provides a thorough consultation reviewing all options, expected outcomes, and side effects so each patient can make an informed choice.