Prostate Cancer Surgery vs. Prostate Cancer Radiation

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, many men are confused about their treatment options. They probably wonder: Do I go for radiation? Do I go for surgery? Well-intended people may give certain suggestions or recommendations. But, because prostate cancer may be a life threat, prostate cancer patients need to have accurate, scientific information about their options.

Dr. David Samadi, prostate cancer expert, highlights the benefits of robotic prostatectomy surgery over radiation for prostate cancer. A study from Memorial Sloan Kettering showed a 65 percent reduced risk of prostate cancer metastasis after surgery compared to radiation.

Also, there is an analysis of more than a dozen studies which shows that prostate cancer patients do better with surgery versus radiotherapy, especially for men who have localized prostate cancer.

Patients who were treated with radiation over surgery were twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than those treated by surgery. As with any cancer, surgery is the first line of treatment.

Why choosing surgery for prostate cancer?

• With surgery you will get the accurate prostate cancer staging – How much cancer do you actually have and whether it has spread to the surrounding tissues. Also, the follow up is much easier because the PSA has to be zero.
• Robotic radiosurgery is not surgery, is all radiation. After radiation, if cancer comes back, it is almost impossible to have surgery. Dr. David Samadi explains that he uses radiation as a back-up plan after surgery.
• A long-term side effect of radiation is that there is a small chance to have secondary cancer. You can get cancer from radiation. Patients need to be aware that they can have bladder or rectal cancer. With robotic prostatectomy surgery, side effects and risks are reduced over time, not increased.

Many people consider surgery as being the cause of cancer spreading, impotence and incontinence. The outcome depends on the experience of the surgeon. Dr. David Samadi has successfully treated thousands of prostate cancer patients with the best results. Now, the continence is up to 95-97%, potency is between 50-80%, depending on the surgeon’s experience. What’s the advice? For the best results, go to a center of excellence.

Dr. David Samadi uses genetic tools and MRI imaging studies to decide who should really go for surgery and who should go for radiation. Patients have to be carefully selected because individualized care is the best way to go.