Additional Treatment Following Radical Prostatectomy

Men often ask: "Will I need more treatment (such as radiation, hormones or chemotherapy) after my prostate is removed?."

Every man's circumstance is unique and there is rarely one 'right' answer. Therefore the intent of this section is not to provide you with an answer but to provide a framework from which you and your urologist can decide what is best for you.

It bears restating that the ultimate goal of prostate cancer treatment is to provide as high a quality of life for as long as possible. The goal is not to cure the cancer at all costs - as in some cases the cure can be worse than the disease. Balancing the potential risks against the potential benefits of different courses of action is what is required. Acknowledging the many uncertainties in making a decision, a recommendation can range from weak to strong depending on the clinical circumstances and this may change over time as the circumstances change.

• Is the cancer likely to recur?

• How likely is it that cancer is currently present? (this can be a difficult question to answer)

• If cancer is present, where is it likely to be?

• If cancer is present, how likely is it to be an issue for quality and length of life?

• Is treatment likely to provide benefit in terms of overall quality and length of life?

• If treatment is likely to provide overall benefit, when is the best time to treat?