Our goal when treating local disease is working to remove or control the cancer cells in a specific area. We use the latest technology, such as the Calypso System, to give our patients the best chance of a healthy outcome. Our physicians use many different treatment methods including:

Brachytherapy

During prostate brachytherapy, physicians implant radioactive “seeds” into the prostate. The seeds deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing the surrounding non-cancerous tissues. Our team uses an advanced application method called “real-time dosimetry prostate brachytherapy” to precisely place radioactive seeds with millimeter accuracy.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery (also called cryotherapy or cryoablation) is the process of eliminating prostate cancer by freezing cancer cells with a metal probe.

Cryosurgery is less invasive than radical prostatectomy, so patients have less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, shorter recovery period and less pain than radical surgery. This therapy is a relatively new treatment, and scientists are still studying the long-term effectiveness of this treatment.

Expectant Therapy

Because prostate cancer often spreads very slowly, our team can treat some patients with expectant therapy, also called active surveillance. This approach means physicians monitor tumors closely, and will eventually administer treatment if tumors grow. This is a common treatment plan for many older men or for patients for whom the side effects of other treatments outweigh their benefit.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays from a linear accelerator directed at the prostate or emitted from radioactive seeds implanted in the prostate to kill the cancer cells. When prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland, radiation therapy is an alternative to surgery.

Radical Prostatectomy

During a radical prostatectomy, surgeons remove the prostate and seminal vesicles. When the cancer is confined within the tissues, surgery alone can cure localized prostate cancer.

To learn more about treating local (early) prostate cancer, call our our specialists at (206) 583-2282.