What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy, also called radiation therapy, involves the use of high-energy rays (x– rays) to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. Radiotherapy is most often administered to patients with early stage disease, who may not be well enough to undergo surgery. It may also be given before or after surgery or hormonal treatment in early disease. Some patients may also receive radiotherapy to relieve the pain, which can be associated with secondary tumours (metastases) in the bone.

How is radiotherapy given?
There are two ways in which radiation can be given:

1. Beamed from a machine (external radiation)
2. Emitted by radioactive seeds implanted in the prostate (internal radiation or brachytherapy)

External beam radiation - is the most common type of radiation used. With external beam radiation, you are positioned under a machine that sends X-rays toward the tumour. The radiation only lasts for a few minutes at each session, and is usually given as a number of treatments over a period of time.



Internal radiation - brachytherapy. During this treatment, your doctor will place the source of radiation inside of your body, near the tumour. The source of radiation is a type of seed or small implant that is placed into the prostate. The seeds may stay in the prostate permanently, depending on the dose of radiation needed.



Are there unwanted effects of radiotherapy?
Side effects will be different for every patient. Most people who undergo radiotherapy experience fatigue. You may feel tired for months after therapy, so you may want to get more rest during this time. Other side effects you may experience include mild skin problems at the radiation site, nausea and vomiting. Not everyone experiences all these side effects and your radiotherapist will advise you on what to expect and how to cope with them.