Often, a man's healthcare team will conduct prostate cancer treatment by stage. Effective treatment options depend on the grade and stage of the cancer. There are five stages of prostate cancer -- stages I through IV and recurrent cancer. Prostate cancer treatment by stage can range from watchful waiting to radical prostatectomy to radiation therapy.
Treatment for stage I prostate cancer may include the following:
Watchful waiting.
Radical prostatectomy, usually with pelvic lymphadenectomy, with or without radiation therapy after surgery. It may be possible to remove the prostate without damaging nerves that are necessary for an erection.
External beam radiation therapy.
Implant radiation therapy.
Prostate Cancer Treatment by Stage: Stage II
Treatment for stage II prostate cancer may include the following:
Radical prostatectomy, usually with pelvic lymphadenectomy, with or without radiation therapy after surgery. It may be possible to remove the prostate without damaging nerves that are necessary for an erection.
Watchful waiting.
External beam radiation therapy.
Implant radiation therapy.
Prostate Cancer Treatment by Stage: Stage III
Treatment for stage III prostate cancer may include the following:
External beam radiation therapy (with or without hormone therapy)
Hormone therapy
Radical prostatectomy, usually with pelvic lymphadenectomy (with or without radiation therapy after surgery)
Watchful waiting
Radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms caused by the cancer.