Your Options After Prostate Radiation Fails

Many doctors feel that radiation is the safest, least invasive means to treat malignancies that are fairly new. On the other hand, radiation is often the only option for tumors that cannot be surgically removed. After prostate radiation fails, there are still some therapies that your doctor can try. It is important to realize that radiation therapy may fail because pre-existing cells regrouped to form a new tumor, and not because a malignancy has developed from other cells.

Some men might wonder why they simply cannot try a second course of similar therapy after prostate radiation fails the first time. Among other things, radiation effects on the body do not go away for many years. Therefore, applying more radiation to a single area can create unpredictable results. In some cases, it may be fatal. In addition, the malignant cells that remained after prostate radiation failed may also be more resistant to this type of therapy, thus making it useless.

Today, there are a number of new therapies that offer some promise after prostate radiation fails. As an example, not so long ago, the FDA approved cyrotherapy. Basically, the prostate is frozen, and then thawed out rapidly. This is supposed to kill off the malignant cells. Unfortunately, the side effects usually associated with cancer treatments can be worse if cyrotherapy is used after prostate radiation. In particular, most men will not regain their ability to have an erection.

Ultrasound, heat, and sound based therapies are also available in experimental trials. Because these treatments are able to be effectively focused on small areas, they do not have as many side effects. Unfortunately, prostate cancer often develops small clusters in many areas, meaning some malignant cells may get missed with this type of therapy. That said, after prostate radiation fails, this may still be an option for you to consider.

There is also another new therapy that may soon be available in clinical trials. It is based on the ability to tag malignant cells with molecules similar to chlorophyll. A laser is then used to activate this chemical, which in turn destroys the malignant cell and the tumor's blood supply. Considering the kinds of side effects that occur after prostate radiation, this type of therapy may offer a substantial benefit to patients.

Finally, the ability to cause malignant cells to take in viral components may also help destroy them selectively. Today, there is also ongoing research in this field. Some of the early trials indicate this form of treatment may also offer a great deal in the way of increased effectiveness and reduced side effects. Unfortunately, even if it becomes approved by the FDA, it may only be available to patients after prostate radiation fails.

Considering the mortality rate is still significantly high for all kinds of cancers, it is important to think about the options available after prostate radiation fails. Today, there are some therapies available for mass consumption, while others can be obtained via clinical trials. As technology in this field evolves, perhaps one or more of these treatment options will make radiation obsolete.