Radical Prostatectomy vs. Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Date of Award
Spring 2023
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Elizabeth Masten
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm affecting men worldwide, and its prevalence has been steadily increasing due to more regular and advanced screening methods. Currently the two most effective and commonly used treatment modalities are radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy. With an estimated 1 in 7 men receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetimes, it is incredibly important for providers to understand the benefits and risks of each modality, as well as their efficacy in relation to one another. Many patients and providers will naturally feel that radical prostatectomy provides better assurances of cure as the goal of the procedure is to remove the entire prostate, as opposed to radiating only neoplastic tissue. While this decision is sometimes driven by the “Get the cancer out of me” mentality, it is crucial to separate pathos and logos when evaluating the most efficacious and risk-appropriate course for treating this disease. This presentation evaluates up-to-date research on disease recurrence rates following radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy, as well as adverse effect rates associated with these modalities to enhance the current understanding of the most appropriate option for prostate cancer patients.
Recommended Citation
Singer, Eric, "Radical Prostatectomy vs. Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer" (2023). Capstone Showcase. 54.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2023/pa/54
Radical Prostatectomy vs. Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm affecting men worldwide, and its prevalence has been steadily increasing due to more regular and advanced screening methods. Currently the two most effective and commonly used treatment modalities are radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy. With an estimated 1 in 7 men receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetimes, it is incredibly important for providers to understand the benefits and risks of each modality, as well as their efficacy in relation to one another. Many patients and providers will naturally feel that radical prostatectomy provides better assurances of cure as the goal of the procedure is to remove the entire prostate, as opposed to radiating only neoplastic tissue. While this decision is sometimes driven by the “Get the cancer out of me” mentality, it is crucial to separate pathos and logos when evaluating the most efficacious and risk-appropriate course for treating this disease. This presentation evaluates up-to-date research on disease recurrence rates following radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy, as well as adverse effect rates associated with these modalities to enhance the current understanding of the most appropriate option for prostate cancer patients.