II. Indications

  1. Localized Prostate Cancer (Stages A to C)

III. Technique

  1. External beam radiation applied daily for 4 to 6 weeks

IV. Efficacy:

  1. First 10 years: As effective as Radical Prostatectomy
  2. After 10 years: Tumor recurrence may be more rapid

V. Advantages over Radical Prostatectomy

  1. Well tolerated outpatient therapy
  2. No surgical risks of bleeding or Anesthesia

VI. Disadvantages compared with Radical Prostatectomy

  1. No hisotologic data from Prostate tumor
  2. No Lymph Node data for Prostate Cancer Staging

VII. Adverse Effects

  1. Acute irritative uropathy for first 3 months
    1. Urinary urgency
    2. Dysuria and Pelvic Pain
    3. Urinary Frequency
  2. Urinary Incontinence (1%)
  3. Impotence (30 to 50%)
  4. Rectal irritation (3 to 10%)
    1. Diarrhea
    2. Stool Urgency
    3. Tenesmus
    4. Rectal Bleeding

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