Prostate Cancer

Who Needs Prostate Cancer Treatment?

Every case is different, so treatment is not always the first thing required. For some males, the cancer grows very slowly and could potentially cause no problems at all. At times, doctors advise patients to undergo active surveillance, so the cancer is regularly monitored using tests and exams.

In more serious cases, treatment becomes important because the cancer is more likely to spread or grow quickly. If a man has increasing PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a tumor that is growing quickly, or shows signs of pain, blood in urine, or urination problems, doctors consider active treatment. Personal preference, general health, and age all impact the timing and approach of when treatment happens.

Types of Prostate Cancer Treatment

Doctors use different types of treatments for people with prostate cancer. The ideal treatment depends on various things like the cancer stage, overall health, and the medical history of the person. Most of the time, more than one type of treatment is needed to get the best results.

Radical Prostatectomy

It involves taking out the entire prostate gland along with some nearby tissue. The treatment is best at controlling the cancer when it is found just in the prostate. Both open and robotic surgery options can be used, and minimally invasive robotic techniques speed up recovery and cause less discomfort.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy kills cancer cells. The treatment may involve radiation from a machine aimed at the body from outside (external beam radiation) or by placing seeds inside the prostate (brachytherapy).

Hormone Therapy

It decreases the testosterone that the body produces. The growth of prostate cancer may be triggered by these hormones. Doctors often recommend hormone therapy when cancer has moved outside the prostate or to add to treatments such as radiation.

Chemotherapy

Doctors administer chemotherapy drugs to attack cancer cells. It is performed if the cancer has moved outside the prostate or if hormone therapy has not worked.

Modern and Focused Treatments

In some situations, especially for advanced cancer, treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted drugs may be tried. With these, cancer cells are targeted, which helps the immune system combat the disease better.

Pre-Treatment Evaluation and Diagnostic Process

The doctors should have a clear picture of the condition before treatment begins. This step requires doctors to conduct tests and imaging to get a clear idea of what may be wrong.

• PSA test
• Rectal Exam (DRE)
• Prostate Biopsy
• Imaging Tests- MRI, CT, or bone scans

During this step, doctors decide if treatment is required and select the most appropriate plan.

Treatment Selection and Planning

Once tests are done and the information is collected, doctors and patients decide on the best course of treatment. There are many things to consider before making this decision, like how much the cancer has advanced, how old the patient is, their current health conditions, and what they prefer.

If the cancer is caught early and the man is still young, surgeons might recommend surgery. People who aim to avoid surgery may choose radiation for treatment. If the cancer is advanced, doctors may suggest hormone therapy or a combination of treatments.

Usually, urologists, oncologists, and radiologists work together to make a treatment plan that is right for the patient.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Procedure

Each treatment type involves a different process. Here is what generally happens:

Surgery

Surgeons perform radical prostatectomy with the patient anesthetized. A surgeon uses a small incision in the lower abdomen to remove the prostate. A lot of hospitals use specialized robots that decrease the size of incisions and allow patients to heal more quickly. Most people stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. Catheters are put in after surgery for just a short time to help eliminate urine.

Radiation Therapy

If external beam radiation is chosen, treatment usually takes place over several weeks. Patients come in daily for short sessions. Brachytherapy is often a one-time procedure where small radioactive seeds are placed in the prostate. Both methods aim to destroy cancer cells while keeping damage to nearby tissue as low as possible.

Hormone Therapy

Antibiotics may be administered through injections or pills. It decreases male hormones, which can help the cancer grow more slowly.

Chemotherapy

The drug is usually injected directly into a vein every few weeks. Usually, this is considered for patients whose cancer has spread or returned despite previous therapies.

Risks and Potential Complications of Prostate Cancer Treatment

Every treatment has possible side effects. Doctors will explain these risks in detail before starting.

• Urinary Incontinence: Men can sometimes experience difficulty with control over urination after the surgery.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Issues with sexual function are common, often appearing after prostate cancer treatment.
• Bowel Effects: Radiation may cause loose bowel movements or discomfort in the rectum.
• Hormonal Issues: Using hormones can bring about tiredness, weight gain, and a lower sex drive.
• General: There is always a risk of getting infected, experiencing bleeding, or having a reaction to the anesthesia during any operation.

A lot of these conditions are managed well using medications, adjusting lifestyle habits, or therapy.

What to Expect After Prostate Cancer Treatment?

Recovery depends on the type of treatment received. After surgery, men may need a few weeks to heal and regain bladder control. Patients may feel tired after undergoing radiation, and this feeling may last for several weeks at a time. Also, the side effects of hormone therapy may also take time to subside. 

Follow-up appointments are important. Regular checks of PSA levels ensure the cancer remains in remission. Offering emotional support matters too, since men may feel some anxiety or worry after they’re treated.

Post-Treatment Recovery and Long-Term Care

Healing from prostate cancer treatment is both physical and emotional. Here are some important steps after treatment:

• Pelvic Exercises: Doing these can give better control over the bladder after pelvic surgery.
• Regular Visits: PSA tests and trips to the doctor help detect if the cancer has returned.
• Healthy Living: Long-term health can be increased by having a balanced diet, doing physical activities often, and avoiding smoking.
• Emotional Support: Speaking with a counselor or joining a support group may aid men in coping with feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Sexual Health: There are treatments for erectile dysfunction, including taking medicine and seeing a therapist.

Proper management during and after treatment enables most men to resume their regular lives and have a good quality of life.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Success Rate in India

India's management of prostate cancer has greatly advanced. The success rate improves greatly when cancer is found early on: more than 90% of those patients survive for five years or more after being diagnosed. Hospitals in India rely on modern devices, highly trained doctors, and the same treatment methods as health centers worldwide. 

Cost of Prostate Cancer Treatment in India

The cost of prostate cancer treatment in India varies widely depending on several factors, including the type of treatment, hospital, and location. Common treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy, each with its own price range. Many patients opt for private healthcare that offers affordable treatment alternatives. Overall, India is often considered a cost-effective destination for cancer treatment compared to many Western countries.

Why Choose India for Prostate Cancer Treatment?

For various reasons, India is a widely chosen destination for prostate cancer treatment.

• Modern Technology: Indian hospitals provide robot-assisted surgeries using the da Vinci Robot, MRI-guided radiotherapy, and sharp images of cancer growth.
• Leading Doctors: Doctors in India are educated in renowned institutes worldwide and possess ample expertise in addressing prostate cancer.
• Less Expensive: The price of treatment in India is much lower compared to places like the US or UK, even though quality is not sacrificed.
• Robotic Procedures: Indian doctors are recognized for thousands of successful robotic prostate operations, leading to satisfied patients and a low rate of problems after surgery.

Many patients from different parts of the world come to India for prostate cancer treatment due to its effective and affordable services.

Required Documents for Patients Traveling to India for Prostate Cancer Treatment

For international patients planning to undergo prostate cancer treatment in India, certain documents are required to ensure a hassle-free medical trip. These include:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
• Medical Visa (M Visa): Issued by the Indian Embassy/Consulate based on medical necessity.
• Invitation Letter from Indian Hospital: A confirmation from the hospital outlining the treatment plan and duration.
• Recent Medical Records: Including X-rays, MRIs, blood reports, and a doctor’s referral from the home country.
• Completed Visa Application Form: Along with passport-size photographs as per specifications.
• Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements or health insurance coverage.
• Medical Attendant Visa: Required for a companion or caretaker traveling with the patient.

It's recommended to consult the Indian consulate or your medical facilitator for updated guidelines and assistance with documentation.

Top Prostate Cancer Specialists in India

Here are some of the top prostate cancer specialists in the country:

1. Dr. Narmada Prasad Gupta, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
2. Prof. Dr. Suresh H. Advani, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai
3. Dr. Gagan Gautam, Max Institute of Cancer Care, New Delhi
4. Dr. S.V.S.S Prasad, Apollo Cancer Institute, Chennai
5. Dr. Rajendaran B, KIMS Global Hospital, Trivandrum

Best Hospitals for Prostate Cancer Treatment in India

Some of the best hospitals in India for prostate cancer treatment are:

1. Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru
2. Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad
3. HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai
4. Medicover Hospital, Hyderabad
5. Manipal Hospital, Gurgaon

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of symptoms appear early in prostate cancer?

Almost no symptoms are present in early-stage prostate cancer. On the other hand, frequent urination, trouble with beginning or stopping flow, having weak urine, or detecting blood in urine or semen are sometimes seen in men.

Can prostate cancer always be a threat to someone’s life?

Not always. Sometimes, prostate cancer develops slowly and may not have to be treated straight away. If the cancer is caught early and is treated correctly, localized prostate cancer has a very high success rate.

What procedures are used to find out if someone has prostate cancer?

A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, digital rectal exam (DRE), and a prostate biopsy are used to diagnose prostate cancer. Exams such as MRI or PET scans may be carried out to obtain more detailed images.

How are prostate cancer treatments usually carried out?

The stage and risk of the cancer determine the type of treatment. Some of the types of treatment are medical monitoring, surgery (such as robotic prostatectomy), radiation, hormone treatment, and chemotherapy or targeted therapy in select cases.

Can prostate cancer come back following treatment?

Cancer in the prostate can return, and this is mainly true if the initial cancer is advanced or aggressive. Having PSA tests done and getting medical checkups regularly supports the early detection of cancer recurrence.