Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate Cancer Treatment in India

Overview

Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland—a small walnut-shaped organ in men that produces seminal fluid. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. Many cases are slow-growing and confined to the prostate, while others may spread rapidly.

India offers world-class prostate cancer treatment at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like the U.S., U.K., and Europe.

Types of Prostate Cancer

Adenocarcinoma: Most common (95%), slow-growing, arises from glandular cells.
Neuroendocrine Tumors: Rare, aggressive, harder to detect with PSA.

Stages of Prostate Cancer

Stage I: Localized to a small area in the prostate
Stage II: Confined to prostate, but may be larger or more aggressive
Stage III: Extended beyond the prostate to seminal vesicles and nearby tissues
Stage IV: Spread to nearby organs, bones, or distant tissues

Risk Factors

Age (risk increases with age)
Ethnicity (more common in African descent)
Family history
Diet and obesity

Symptoms

Difficulty urinating
Blood in urine
High PSA levels
Bone fractures (in advanced cases)
Urinary or fecal incontinence

Diagnosis

PSA Blood Test: Detects protein produced by prostate cells
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Transrectal Ultrasound
Biopsy
Imaging Tests: CT, MRI, Bone scan for staging

Treatment Options

1. Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)

Removal of prostate gland
Performed via open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted techniques

2. Radiation Therapy

External Beam Radiation: Focuses radiation externally
Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds implanted in prostate

3. Active Surveillance

For slow-growing cancer
Includes regular PSA testing and biopsies

4. Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)

Lowers or blocks testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer
Achieved through medication or orchiectomy (surgical testicle removal)

5. Chemotherapy

Used when cancer is advanced and resistant to hormone therapy

6. Targeted Therapy

Focuses on specific molecular changes in the cancer cells

Cost Factors

Type of treatment (surgery, radiation, hormone therapy)
Stage of cancer
Hospital location and type
Diagnostic and post-treatment follow-up costs
Doctor’s expertise

Why Choose India?

Cost-effective (1/8th of U.S. rates)
FDA-approved drugs available at lower cost
Advanced facilities and equipment
Skilled oncologists
International patient assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the prostate gland and what does it do?
A: Located below the bladder, it produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Q: What is PSA?
A: Prostate-Specific Antigen, a marker used to detect prostate abnormalities.

Q: What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
A: Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate, different from cancer.

Q: Can prostate cancer be prevented?
A: No guaranteed prevention, but a healthy lifestyle reduces risk.

Q: How is hormone therapy used?
A: Before, during, or after other treatments to enhance outcomes or manage advanced cancer.

Q: How long does radiation therapy last?
A: Typically 5 days a week for 4–8 weeks.

Q: What is the Gleason Score?
A: A grading system for prostate cancer cells (2–10) to assess likelihood of spread.

Q: What is erectile dysfunction?
A: Can result from nerve damage during treatment; affects ability to maintain an erection.

Q: How is recurrence monitored?
A: Rising PSA levels post-treatment may indicate recurrence.