Treatment of prostate cancer in the elderly

The treatment of prostate cancer in the elderly requires the selection of appropriate treatment plans based on factors such as the patient's age, clinical stage, life expectancy and general condition. Common treatments for prostate cancer include the following:

First, radical prostatectomy: Radical prostatectomy is an effective method for treating localized prostate cancer. The main surgical procedures currently include laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Second, external radiotherapy of the prostate: External radiotherapy, like surgical treatment, is also a radical treatment for prostate cancer and is suitable for patients with all stages of prostate cancer.

Third, prostate brachytherapy: It refers to sealing the radiation source and implanting it directly into the prostate tissue for irradiation. Generally, transrectal ultrasound is used to make a three-dimensional treatment plan, and the radioactive particles are implanted into the prostate tissue through positioning.

Fourth, endocrine therapy: androgens are closely related to the occurrence and development of prostate cancer. For most prostate cancer patients, the growth of tumors will be effectively suppressed within a certain period of time after the androgens in the body are removed. Any treatment that removes androgens and inhibits androgen activity is called endocrine therapy.

Fifth, chemotherapy: mainly for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Regardless of which treatment method is chosen, elderly patients with prostate cancer must follow the doctor's advice and pay attention to their daily diet in addition to treatment to avoid aggravating the condition.