When is radiotherapy used for prostate cancer?
Radiotherapy is one of the main treatments for prostate cancer and, in many cases, an alternative to surgery with comparable results. It may be used as definitive treatment — the primary treatment for the disease; after a prostatectomy, when surgical findings or the behavior of your PSA justify it; or to control symptoms in more advanced stages. The decision depends on PSA, Gleason score, stage, your overall health and your preferences, and is made together with your urology and oncology team. During your assessment, Dr. Baquero reviews your studies and clearly explains what role radiotherapy could play in your particular case.
Radiotherapy and hormone therapy
For some patients, radiotherapy is combined with hormone therapy (androgen deprivation) for a defined period, depending on the risk of the tumor. Not every case needs it: for lower-risk tumors radiotherapy alone may be enough, while in others the combination is part of the plan indicated by the treating team. If hormone therapy is indicated, the doctor explains its purpose, its expected duration and what to watch for, always in coordination with your urologist or medical oncologist.
Techniques we use
- IMRT (intensity-modulated radiotherapy): concentrates the dose on the prostate while protecting the rectum and bladder, the most sensitive neighboring organs.
- 3D conformal radiotherapy: three-dimensional planning aimed at the gland and, when indicated, the lymph node regions.
- Brachytherapy: in selected cases, internal radiation placed directly in the prostate, alone or as a boost to external radiotherapy.
- Image-guided planning to treat with the greatest possible precision, session after session.
The most suitable technique depends on the features of your tumor and your anatomy; it is defined during your assessment and treatment planning.
What treatment is like
Treatment is planned with a simulation CT scan and, depending on the technique, additional studies, from which a personalized dose is calculated for your case. External radiotherapy sessions are outpatient: you come in, receive your session and go home the same day. Sessions run Monday to Friday, last only a few minutes and are painless — similar to having an X-ray. No hospitalization or anesthesia is needed. Brachytherapy, when indicated, is performed as a scheduled procedure that the doctor explains in advance. The total number of sessions depends on the schedule chosen for your case; both standard and shorter (hypofractionated) schedules exist for selected patients.
Side effects: monitoring and management
Like any cancer treatment, prostate radiotherapy can cause side effects, mainly urinary (burning, more frequent urination), bowel (discomfort or changes in bowel habits) and, over time, sexual effects. How they appear and how intense they are varies from patient to patient and also depends on the technique. Modern techniques such as IMRT are designed precisely to reduce the dose to healthy organs. Throughout treatment, Dr. Baquero reviews your progress regularly, tells you how to prevent discomfort and adjusts management when symptoms appear. Most acute effects are controlled with simple measures and tend to improve after treatment ends; anything that persists is monitored during follow-up.
Second opinion: decide with confidence
Choosing between surgery, radiotherapy or active surveillance is one of the most common — and most difficult — decisions for a man with prostate cancer. That is why many patients consult Dr. Baquero for a second opinion: to review the diagnosis, understand the real alternatives for their risk level and confirm or adjust a plan already recommended by another doctor. A second opinion does not interfere with your relationship with your treating physician; it simply helps you make an informed, unhurried decision.
Care in Barranquilla and Santa Marta
Dr. Baquero treats patients from Barranquilla, Santa Marta and across Colombia's Caribbean region, and coordinates with you the most convenient place for your care. If you already have studies — biopsy with Gleason score, PSA values, PET-CT, bone scan or MRI — you can send them via WhatsApp before your visit for a more precise, focused assessment. He sees private-pay patients and works with most health insurance plans; coverage is confirmed when you schedule your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Is radiotherapy better than surgery for prostate cancer?
There is no single answer: in many cases they offer comparable results, and the best option depends on your situation, tumor risk and preferences. The doctor explains the alternatives so you decide together, in coordination with your urologist.
Does prostate radiotherapy cause impotence or incontinence?
Urinary, bowel or sexual effects can occur and depend on each patient and the technique. Modern techniques such as IMRT aim to reduce them, and the doctor monitors and manages them throughout treatment and follow-up.
Does radiotherapy hurt?
No. Each external radiotherapy session is painless and brief, similar to having an X-ray. No anesthesia or hospitalization is needed.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the technique and the schedule chosen for your case. Standard and shorter (hypofractionated) schedules exist; the exact number is defined during planning, after your assessment.
Will I be radioactive to my family?
With external radiotherapy you are not radioactive and can be with your family completely normally. For brachytherapy the doctor will give you specific recommendations for your case.
Can I keep working during treatment?
Many patients continue their usual activities, since sessions are outpatient and brief. It depends on your job and how you feel; the doctor guides you based on your case.
Do you take private-pay patients and health insurance?
Yes. Dr. Baquero sees private-pay patients and works with most health insurance plans. Coverage is confirmed when you schedule your appointment.
Do you offer second opinions?
Yes. It is common to consult to confirm or review a plan already recommended by another doctor. You can send your biopsy report and PSA values via WhatsApp to help guide the assessment.
Ready for an assessment?
Dr. Baquero will personally review your case. Care in Barranquilla · Santa Marta.
The information on this page is educational and does not replace an individual medical assessment.