Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy (radiation therapy) uses targeted, high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. It is often a preferred treatment option for early-stage prostate cancer (which has not yet spread) because it’s less invasive than surgery.
Private radiotherapy for prostate cancer at GenesisCare
We’re the leading private provider of prostate cancer radiotherapy in the UK. Our latest-generation radiotherapy machines are designed to deliver highly targeted treatment to maximise effectiveness and minimise side effects, such as impotence and incontinence. The accuracy of these technologies, together with the expertise of our teams, means that we can often complete a course of radiotherapy in a shorter amount of time – sometimes in just one week.
The type of radiotherapy and the number of sessions you’ll need will depend on the stage of your cancer. Your consultant will explain these to you when discussing your treatment plan.
Five-day radiotherapy
Recent advances in radiotherapy technology means patients with prostate cancer can now be treated in as little as five days over the course of one week with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life, instead of the standard 20-39 radiotherapy sessions over many weeks.
We use highly accurate targeting, so high doses of radiotherapy are aimed precisely at the treatment area, whilst exposure to surrounding healthy tissue is minimised, reducing the risk of side effects.
Radiotherapy (radiation therapy) uses targeted, high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. It is often a preferred treatment option for early-stage prostate cancer (which has not yet spread) because it’s less invasive than surgery.
Geoff's treatment completed in just 5 days
Read how Geoff completed his prostate cancer treatment in just 5 days with MRIdian radiotherapy.
Volumetric modulated arc therapy
Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is an advanced form of radiotherapy that directs beams of radiation while the machine moves in an arc across your body. The machine, called a linac, adjusts the shape of the radiation beam and intensity of the radiation dose as it moves.
This means it can accurately target the prostate cancer cells and avoid areas such as the rectum as much as possible. This can help reduce side effects compared to conventional radiotherapy.
We offer VMAT as standard to all eligible patients with early-stage prostate cancer.
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) uses very focused high-intensity radiation beams to remove tumours in five or fewer sessions. A shorter treatment schedule compared to conventional radiotherapy helps you get back to your normal life as soon as possible, with minimal disruption. SABR is often used instead of surgery or conventional radiotherapy if you have low- to intermediate-risk localised prostate cancer, where it hasn’t spread outside of your prostate.
MRIdian MRI-guided radiotherapy
The MRIdian is a new type of linac used for SABR. This innovative technology includes an MRI scanner to take live images, so it can see exactly where a tumour is at the same time as treating it. Safely avoiding the healthy tissues and organs surrounding the prostate cancer helps reduce side effects. We have the first two MRIdian MR linacs in the UK at our centres in Oxford and Cromwell Hospital in London. We accept referrals from all over the UK and can help you with transport depending on your treatment and location.
Advanced radiotherapy for prostate cancer
MRIdian radiotherapy uses real-time imaging for accurate targeting to reduce side effects and is delivered in days not weeks.
Rectal spacers
Rectal spacers are an effective technique to reduce the bowel, urinary and erectile dysfunction side effects of prostate radiotherapy. They protect your rectum during radiotherapy treatment by moving it away from the prostate gland and the radiation beam.
We offer spacers at no extra cost if you’re having VMAT for prostate cancer.
Fiducial markers
Fiducial markers are very small gold or platinum objects, about the size of a grain of rice, that are inserted into your prostate by a urologist prior to receiving prostate radiotherapy. They’re clearly visible on CT scans and help to improve treatment set up. This ensures that the prostate radiotherapy is delivered with consistent accuracy across all the treatment days, reducing the amount of radiotherapy to surrounding healthy organs and leading to fewer side effects.
Depending on the proposed treatment, the fiducial markers and rectal spacer can be inserted in a single procedure under local anaesthetic at one of our outpatient centres prior to treatment.
Side effects of radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Prostate radiotherapy side effects can vary from person to person. Learn more about managing side effects of radiotherapy. Some of the most common side effects of radiotherapy for prostate cancer include:
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Loss of pubic hair
- Difficulty passing urine
- Diarrhoea
- Erectile dysfunction
Book an appointment
Speak to a leading prostate cancer consultant about radiotherapy at GenesisCare.
Prostate cancer surgery
If your consultant recommends prostate cancer surgery, for example, a radical prostatectomy to remove your prostate gland, we can conveniently arrange this at one of our partner hospitals. You’ll be able to continue your other treatments and care at GenesisCare.
This new treatment for recurrent prostate cancer is an exciting development and gives hope to me and other men looking for an effective treatment.
Lawrence, MRIdian prostate reirradiation patient
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of anti-cancer drug treatment used to kill cancer cells and slow cancer spread. Chemotherapy for prostate cancer is used when the cancer has spread to other parts of your body outside the prostate (called metastases).
Private chemotherapy for prostate cancer at GenesisCare
We offer access to the latest chemotherapy treatments with specialist cancer nurses, on-site chemotherapy suites and a 24/7 on-call service. Most common side effects caused by chemotherapy are temporary, but you might be affected by them after your treatment ends. We’ll work closely with you to limit the impact of them as much as possible.
Integrative care
Designing better care for those with prostate cancer
If you choose private prostate cancer treatment at GenesisCare, you can expect a personalised treatment plan that includes life-changing therapies to support you throughout your cancer treatment and beyond.
Exercise medicine
Exercise medicine is a programme of carefully planned and supported physical activity that has been shown to improve outcomes for cancer patients. Exercise can improve your quality of life and limit the impact of cancer, such as building your strength and reducing fatigue.
Our physiotherapists specialise in exercise for people living with cancer. They’ll provide you with a 12-week programme tailored to your needs and supported by our GenesisCare Exercise Medicine app (available on Google Play Store and the Apple app store). They’ll work closely with you to monitor changes in your health and support you throughout the programme to help you get the best results. This is available at selected GenesisCare centres.
Wellbeing
We also offer a wellbeing expert and provide holistic therapies such as counselling, acupuncture, massage and reflexology. We offer this through our unique partnership with the Penny Brohn UK charity. Penny Brohn UK is a pioneer in integrative cancer care practices to support your emotional and physical wellbeing. This unique and evidence-informed approach is available to all cancer patients at any of our 14 UK centres.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Penny Brohn UK to others. Whilst cancer is a physical disease your brain and mind can impact your immune system which is so key to your overall health.
Amardeep, Penny Brohn UK patient with prostate cancer
Useful resources
Chapter 7
Patient stories
Why go private?
The benefits of choosing private prostate cancer care
Each year, hundreds of men choose private prostate cancer treatment at GenesisCare for:
- The latest techniques and treatments, as well as integrative cancer care to support you physically and emotionally through your treatment
- Fast and easy access to tests, scans and treatments with no delay and at times convenient to you
- Leading consultants supported by a team of health professionals specialising in cancer care including surgeons, radiologists, radiographers, clinical nurse specialists and wellbeing therapists
It was brilliant! Right from the receptionist, everyone was smiling, happy faces. It’s a really good place to be ill in!
Ian, patient with prostate cancer
Make an enquiry
We’re recognised by all private medical providers, including Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva and Vitality. Self-pay options are also available. Contact our team to help guide you through the process.
Reviewed by:
Dr Nicola Dallas
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
May 2023
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