How can localized prostate cancer be cured?
Prostate cancer may be cured by surgically removing the entire prostate gland (radical prostatectomy), by destroying the prostate cancer using ionizing radiation (external beam and brachytherapy) or by minimally invasive ablative techniques that include freezing (cryotherapy), heating (high-intensity focused ultrasound and laser) and use of light energy (photodynamic therapy). Radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy are the most common approaches for curing prostate cancer. Cryotherapy is available in the United States and is becoming more and more common, especially as a focal therapy. Smilow Center surgeons and radiation oncologists are among the most experienced physicians offering these curative treatments. HIFU, laser ablation and photodynamic therapy are all investigational, and pioneering research and studies are being conducted at the Smilow Center.
