Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer | Prostate Cancer Staging Guide
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- čas přidán 13. 11. 2018
- PCRI’s Executive Director, Mark Scholz, MD, talks about the side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. He compares the side effects of modern radiation therapy against older radiation technology. He gives an overview of what to expect when undergoing radiation therapy.
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0:38 Radiation therapy technology has changed dramatically in the past decade. Past concerns that doctors and patients had about radiation have been resolved. One concern is that the radiation would cause a new cancer, but we now know that this occurs only in extremely rare cases often decades after the treatment, and we are able to detect these types of cancer sooner. Incontinence used to be a concern, but in modern times this side effect is more often associated with radical prostatectomy than with radiation. It is rare to get incontinence from radiation therapy. Intestinal burns were a concern with older radiation therapy, but modern technology is more accurate and FDA approved treatments are available to protect the rectum from radiation.
2:14 Short-term side effects of radiation therapy. Mild to moderate fatigue can be a side effect of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can cause soreness around the area being treated by radiation. If this side effect becomes intolerable, men will often take a holiday from the radiation treatment and resume at a later date. Long-term radiation protocols can be inconvenient since many forms of radiation have to be administered five days a week for a few months.
3:12 Long-term side effects. Impotence can develop in the long term from radiation therapy. It is common. Occurring in up to 50% of men treated with radiation therapy. After treatment, men will experience dry orgasms since the prostate is what creates semen. Men may become infertile after treatment, although having children through artificial insemination is typically still possible.
4:17 Rare side effects. In rare cases, urethral scarring can occur which can cause a blockage called a urethral stricture. The treatment for this can in some cases cause incontinence. Treatment for strictures should be performed by specialists. The bladder base can get irritated from radiation therapy, and this can cause greater urinary urgency, greater frequency, and waking up in the middle of the night to urinate more often. If these problems are preexisting, they can be made worse by radiation therapy.
5:57 Side effects are less common when the treatment is performed by a competent radiation therapist. It is important to find a good doctor if you choose this treatment for prostate cancer.
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I am on my way to prostate treatment. These videos have hugely reduced my apprehensions.Thank you.
Long term side effects....impotence...perpheral neuropathy...very emotional...skin changes...you discover these things as time goes by and learn to accept them and adapt. Nobody explained any of this to me beforehand so it comes asa bit of a challenge!
Had BPH urinary symptoms (weak stream) before I chose radiation for my prostate cancer. I'm, undergoing my 44 radiation treatments and am noticing an even weaker stream of urine. My fear is becoming a reality as it seems it is getting worse to urinate, and I can only imagine what may happen. soon or even in upcoming years. I questioned my radiologist today and he said, "oh you might need a catheter" and walked away from me. I am living out my nightmare one day at a time in terror.
Your videos have been a great source of information throuh my prostate (3-4/7) radiation experience. One thing that many videos from many doctors faile to give much information on is a radiation bladder burn, which happened to me. And though it may be a more rare occurrence, it does happen. I started my radiation treatments 2 years ago and I am still dealing with bladder issues. I had frequent UTIs, which have now finally tapered off. I would expel material when I urinated which I referred to as *shrapnel* I actually had hyperbaric oxygen treatment to help heal my bladder burn, which was extremely successful. Still have occasional bouts of shrapnel and "Merlot" urin however. Again, thank you so much for your videos.
I had my prostate removed in 2010 and underwent salvage radiation the next year. Seven years later, I was diagnosed with radiation cystitis of the bladder. I ultimately had to have my bladder removed due to the damage and horrible experiences resulting from this damage. I had 15 ER visits over 18 months to irrigate bladder due to clot blockage. It is good to know technology has mostly eliminated this side effect. I now live with a urostomy appliance; but, I’m still alive and am managing my metastatic prostate cancer with Elegard injections and daily aberaterone pills. Life is Good even with all the side affects and I think I’ve had them all. I enjoy your videos although there’s nothing currently that will reverse my disease. I’m 72 and tolerating everything just fine.
Does not sound good to me
OMG This is my biggest fear.
You deserve a medal, sir. I hope life continues to reward you with unexpected pleasures!
Very helpful.Thanks for your forthright presentation Doctor.
This is a very good, easy to understand video. I watched it so that I could talk about it with a great friend that just started his treatment regimen today. He'll do 20 treatments. I did not know what he might be facing in the coming weeks. This video helped me out tremendously. Thank you! 😊
Informative, to the point, delivery. Top quality video, I subscribed.
Love your videos! Thank you! Your demeanor is very calming & is so helpful to so many of us!
Bravo! An excellently presented no nonsense guide! Thanks for sharing!
My father has that thing so these videos put me at ease, thank you doctor
Thank you for these very informative videos. (I really like the videos where you look into the camera instead of looking down. Just my 2 cents. Both are great to have as a resource, as is your book. Much appreciated.)
Very well explained.
Thanksss…really like your videos…..received more from you than my doctors…..
Thank you doctor for all your help
Informative, thanks. I've been on hormones for six months since diagnosed with Stage 3a prostate cancer and now about to start 37 daily doses of radio to prostate plus pelvic lymph nodes. Lucky to live just down the road from the hospital. Good luck to anyone going through same :-)
Me ChangesOneTim
I had 45 daily doses of radiation and 18 months of hormones so far. PSA went from 14 to 0.1. But now I have side effects from the radiation.
@@MrGeorgewf - thanks for your reply. Hormone injection is called Decapeptyl here in Old England and I'm likely to continue this for another 12-24 months after the radiotherapy finishes this month. Radio Side-Effects for me is weak bladder control and general soreness. My PSA was 37 on diagnosis six months ago and fell to 0.8 in March. I will be measured again in mid-June just prior to my oncologist's next meeting. Best of luck with the rest of your treatment.
Me ChangesOneTim
Make sure you drink a 16oz bottle of water at least 20 minutes before you radiation treatment to prevent bladder damage from the radiation.
@@MrGeorgewf yes i do, in fact i must have a comfortably full bladder before they will treat me. Drink 600ml of water within 5min, to finish 40min before booked treatment time, at which point i let them know.
Thank you Sir
Good overview of the subject. Next some detail info on the stricture issue..please, tx's, rehab, urodynamic testing, ect, thx
I am about to start Horemone treatment this week for 18 months and Radiation to begin in about 4 months; the Hormone treatment will, hopefully reduce the size of the cancer and pressure on my urethrae to avoid blockage when I start the Radiation process. my Gleason score was 4+4 and I am 79 years of age. I am having a PET xray done this week.
How are you now ?
Thankyou sir
Starting very soon - sounds as if I'm in for a rough time !
it wasnt as rough as you thought it was right?
Very informative
Dr Scholz. I was told 325ml of water one hour before radiation which has been completed. Why are some people told 350ml or 16 oz etc,? Is this a body weight consideration?
I'm 140 lb. Your video is really short. Most places really fail to describe and explain the importance of hydration, and just what can be done to mitigate damage. I lay off water while eating, use Apple cider vinegar etc. How important is exercise while undergoing radiation etc. Is extra rest required before during and after completion of radiation or, is exercise more important to get that blood repairing the damage? Again, excellent video that I was unable to find elsewhere. It gave me good questions to ask my urologist and saved me asking him other questions.
Dr my husband had a brachy implant 2012 he got cough for 2 months,nothing is helping,dorsy the seed travel to other parts of the body, can it move up to a person lungs just asking.thank you Dr
My dad had prostectomy about 3.5 weeks ago and his doctor recommends 7 weeks 5 times a week radiation therapy. His biopsy came back negative.. doctor would you recommend him to go ahead and commit or what should he do?
What do you recommend to detox body during radiation treeatment (36 doses)? Thank you
I had SBRT and all was going well but near 6 months afterward, I began to have blood and clots in my urine. No UTI and Ct scan just showed a thicker bladder. I have mild pain while sitting and my urine flow is mildly painful. I also have urgency and go often but do not feel I voided completely. I had Greenlight for BPH before SBRT and wonder if I have to have a second greenlight?
BTW, after 3 weeks the hematuria stopped. but the other symptoms continue.
Thank you Dr. Scholz for all the good information. Please doctor I need to know is that normal? My dad has a radiation therapy for his stage one prostate cancer it is been now a year and the bladder burning is killing him and also can’t control his urine his 65 and unfortunately the cancer didn’t go away and he is still taking shot on his belly every 3 month , is there anything he can do? My dad is in Morocco
Hello Kaltoum, due to the complexity of each prostate cancer case and question, PCRI answers questions like this through our free Helpline. Please feel free to contact us here: pcri.org/helpline
Had BPH urinary symptoms (weak stream) before I chose radiation for my prostate cancer. I'm, undergoing my 44 radiation treatments and am noticing an even weaker stream of urine. My fear is becoming a reality as it seems it is getting worse to urinate, and I can only imagine what may happen. soon or even in upcoming years. I questioned my radiologist today and he said, "oh you might need a catheter" and walked away from me. I am living out my nightmare one day at a time in terror.
@@jerrymunroe5593 this worries me as I have bph as well
Thank you but the problem of burning pain on urination (combined with urgency and frequency as mentioned) was bot really addressed.
I have been told that this may resolve in 3-4 weeks post conclusion of RT but so far, after a week, there has been no change.
Did the pain and urgency resolve?
How its works for chronic prostatitis?
Love you guys thank you. ✝️👆✝️
Ive already had treatment for Prostate cancer . But it burns like Hell when i pee. There has to be something that can be done.
What about pelvic bone problems afterwards?
One the best short video's on You Tube regarding Effects of Radiation for prostate cancer. Lots of idiotic comments below. Listen to what he says, the stats are very accurate, the information concise and after looking at dozens of youtube video's this one is what I call golden information.
Hi Dr Scholz what are side effects for rectal region? If there's a fistula, will it get worse?
The risk of fistula with modern radiation is very low, but I am not sure what the risks are if there is already a fistula, which is what you are asking, right? I can add that to our list of questions for upcoming videos.
Very good information. After prostate surgery being ruled out due to current health issue and prior abdominal surgery, will begin IMRT next week. Urethra scarring is my biggest concern. Thank you, I’ll definitely address this with my Radiologist beforehand. Your videos are very informative and calming.👍🏽
Hi , hope you are great . Were there any side effects of radiations? My father 89 is due foe radiations. I'm scared. Good health to you.
@@anjalitrakru3115 Hi, The side effects that I have are urgency to relieve myself. I had the radiology doctor arrange to have Space Oar planted between the prostate and rectal area to prevent any urethra scarring or burning. This worked very well and dissolves within a couple of months after the radiation treatments. I had 28 IMRT daily treatments, except weekends. After a couple of months my PSA has been .013 They stopped the Casodex after two weeks and began Eligard hormone injections. I was administered two injections total, each one separated by three months. Currently, the only treatments I am undergoing are monitoring of the PSA levels. My treatments are being watched closely by a team of local cancer-related doctors, and one from Stanford Medical. Both are in agreement for this course of treatment.
I wish your father the best recovery. The important thing for the radiation treatment is experience of the radiology team and accuracy of the equipment. 🙏🏽
Just finished my radiation therapy for stage one cancer,about 3 weeks ago. I have very little side effects.
We are glad you have very little side effects!
What are the benefits of eating “Spinach” when it it comes to Prostate Cancer? *How Prostate Cured Total* 👉 *For more information My Profile In About* Or Bio
So I’m curious, the video said 50% of people can become impotent with radiation therapy, and even higher percent for older men. If I’m not being too personal, may I ask you if this side effect has hit you in anyway? I had a prostate biopsy done last week and I’m waiting to hear of the results sometime this week possibly Wednesday or Thursday. The idea of being impotent scares the hell out of me even though I am 74 years old, I’m still very active in the bedroom with the help of Viagra. And the doctor said even with Viagra if impotence hit it won’t do you any good. That really bothers me. Any information you could provide to me would be very helpful. Thank you in advance.
@alcameron6071 did you go with radiation? Any erectile dysfunction?
Thankyou so very much I’m Larry not Sharol lol 😂 have a great day God Bless you
Hello Respected sir , my father suffering from meta stage his psa level is 267 He has taken radiation therapy before 1 month but its side effects are increasing and are not able to control it. Please sir suggest something ?
How is your father now?
My father is facing serve pain in his abdomin and large intestine after radiation.
How can I find out which treatment centers qualify as a "center of excellence with more experience and better training"?
Go to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network website to get a list. Nccn.org.
How is a permanent (low dose rate) brachytherapy done to treat prostate cancer? *How Prostate Cured Total* 👉 *For more information My Profile In About* Or Bio
how long after prostate radiation will rectal irritation be cured
What about the major side effect of the cancer recurrence? I find it difficult to get conclusive recent data that reveals if RP or radiation is more effective. My understanding so far is there are a lot of variables of course. But I would like to find a nomogram much like the Sloan Kettering one not for RP but for radiation. Anyone advise?
Hello, our prostate cancer helpline may be able to help with your question. Please feel free to contact us here: pcri.org/helpline
Is cystitis still an issue?
So, let me be clear about this. I’m 74 years old and I am waiting on my prostate biopsy results probably do next week. You’re saying that 50% of the people that have radiation therapy end up impotent? And the percentage is even higher for older guys such as me? This is not something I wanted to hear. I’m 74 years old and I’m still very active in the bedroom, I do use Viagra occasionally. But you said in the video even by Agarwal help. This has me very concerned. Is this the best 21st century medical has the offer? It sounds like we’re still centuries away from having a cure, without having to give up your sexual life no matter how old you are. I am praying every night my biopsy comes back negative. I’m not sure how I’m going to be able to deal with it any other way.
I ended up doing hifu years ago because of this same issue. I saw recent videos discussing nerve sparing radiotherapy where it's proven far less impactful. Unfortunately these are still in trial phase
I'm 12 days into proton radiation at this time
How are you now? Am considering proton
@dmcarden really good doing great no regrets on choice of treatment
@lonnieke too early to notice any potential side effects? Did dr discuss eventual ED and possible treatments
Are these treatments really effective?
I had radiation treatment over 20 years ago. I have been plagued with life changing side effects since the completion of treatments. Incontinence, then a complete stricture, and now with a supra pubic catheter for the rest of my life. I suffer from bladder pain every day. My life is dominated by my bladder.
My husband is in his 3rd yr of stage 4b prostrate cancer. I feel so very sad for you
I hope you have support of family or friends.
Very sorry to hear
Thanks Doc. I just completed 20 days of radiation therapy. I'm hoping my slow urine stream is temporary. I'm also on hormone therapy. Not sure which is causing the urine flow to be so slow. I'm assuming the radiation has caused my prostate to swell and that's putting the squeeze on my urethra. If that's the case, this problem should resolve itself over time.
How are you now?
My father is facing serve pain in his abdomin and large intestine.
@@thirdumpire8266 Thanks for asking. I have two more months of hormone therapy. My last PSA score was 0.038. Doc says it will be zero in two more months. Not having any pain but I can't sleep through the night. I wake up every 2 hours. The hot flashes are very annoying.
@@GregSr don't you have had any pain in abdomin or large intestine?
@@thirdumpire8266 I'm not having any pain. My prostate cancer has been confirmed to only be in my prostate. No cancer has been detected anywhere else.
@@thirdumpire8266 No pain.
How many cancers a center needs to have treated to be called experts? How many cases does it take to become skillful?
I am seven years past radiation for prostate cancer. The radiation of the margin hurt my bladder your right I’m the rare one.
What happened to your bladder? And how long after the radiation ended.
What can do if anyone heck my...
I had Stage 2a prostate cancer. I had 9 weeks of external radiation and on my
3rd of 4 Six month Lupron shot. PSA went from 14 to 0.01. Had rectal pain during radiation. Now 7 months later rectal bleeding. I scheduled a colonoscopy for July.
How are you now ?
MrGeorgewf: I'll ask anyway even though you seem to ignore or not be aware of questions put to you but, did you use the Spaceoar gel? If not, rectal issues are far more common.
Sooshiana Rezaei
I’m fine now.
PSA is 0.
lazurm
No problems now.
PSA has been 0 for 18 months.
Last Lupron shot was in October. Very few Hot Flashes.
Colonoscopy was clean.
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External beam radiation burnt 2 of our friends testicles, penis and bottoms black. They said it was dirty and nasty with holes burnt through their rectum. How can that be prevented when we dont have spaceoar? My husband is scared.
You didn't mention bowel problems.
I also don’t like when he looks down.
I'm doing RAD iationn for prostate CAN CER, Pressently 😮little or NO pee🎉😮AND little to N😮 POOoo! " I'M STOPPed.UP like a TUESday TRAIN, Leaving HALIFAX ,n s, (there is none on TUESday, SO I / we sit ,NO place to GO! ( bathRooM oO ther WISE ! 😮YIKES😮r
fatigue after radiation
Hello, our prostate cancer helpline may be able to help with your question. Please feel free to contact us here: pcri.org/helpline