| Treatment Option | Treatment Description |
|---|---|
| Radical prostatectomy (open retropubic, open perineal, laparoscopic, robotic-assisted approaches) | Complete surgical removal of prostate gland with seminal vesicles, ampulla of vas, and sometimes pelvic lymph nodes |
| External beam radiotherapy, including conventional radiation, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, three-dimensional conformal radiation, proton beam, and stereotactic body radiation therapy | Multiple doses of radiation from an external source applied over several days to weeks |
| Interstitial brachytherapy | Radioactive implants placed using radiologic guidance. Low dose–rate/permanent implants and high dose–rate brachytherapy may be used. Combination therapy comprises external beam radiotherapy with a brachytherapy boost |
| Hormonal therapy | Oral or injected medications or surgical removal of testicles to lower or block circulating androgens |
| Cryotherapy | Destruction of cells through rapid freezing and thawing, using transrectal guided placement of probes and injection of freezing/thawing gases |
| High-intensity focused ultrasound therapy | Tissue ablation of the prostate by intense heat, focusing on the identified cancerous area |
| Observation or watchful waiting (these terms will be used interchangeably) | Relatively passive patient followup, with symptom management if and when any symptoms occur3 |
| Active surveillance | Usually includes hands-on followup in which prostate-specific antigen levels are checked, prostate biopsies may be repeated, and subsequent treatment is planned3 |
From: Introduction
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