Radiation therapy uses radiation to treat prostate cancer. The advantage of radiation therapy is that it is less invasive than surgery. Hazards associated with treatment include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which may happen less frequently with radiation when compared with radical prostatectomy. Other hazards include radiation damage to the bowel and bladder. Fortunately, current radiation therapy techniques are designed to minimize trauma to adjacent structures. One disadvantage of radiation therapy is the prostate remains, so it is possible for some cancer to persist and potentially progress in the future.

Interstitial Prostate Brachytherapy is a therapy that places radiation seeds within the prostate. The advantage of brachytherapy is that it is a single outpatient anesthesia-based procedure. As with other radiotherapy treatments, erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence may develop. Changes in urination may include increased frequency and urgency, and more frequent urination at night.

External Beam Radiotherapy uses carefully directed radiation directed at the prostate in an effort to kill the prostate cancer cells. A general anesthetic is not required. Radiation treatments are given on a daily basis, five days a week, for a seven- to eight-week treatment period. Current technology allows radiation to be delivered to the prostate while minimizing exposure to adjacent structures, such as the bladder and rectum. On a side note, men who have underlying bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, may be less suitable candidates for radiation therapy because of the increased potential for bowel difficulty.

Both forms of radiation (prostate brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy) may cause urinary or bowel difficulty, and can predispose to erectile dysfunction. Irritating urinary tract symptoms can include urinary frequency, urgency, and pain or burning with urination. Symptoms typically resolve over time but may persist for the first several years. Bowel difficulties may include diarrhea or loose stool. Rectal pain or discomfort may also develop. Erectile dysfunction is less likely to develop in the period immediately after treatment but is more likely to develop over time.