Radiotherapy may be given if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones. In this situation the treatment can’t get rid of all the cancer cells and cure the cancer, but it can reduce symptoms such as pain, and make you more comfortable. This is known as palliative radiotherapy.

If cancer of the prostate has spread to the bones, radiotherapy can be given to relieve pain. Treatment is given to the affected bone or area. It may be given as a single treatment, or may be divided into a series of smaller treatments. Many men notice that the pain eases within a couple of days, while others may have to wait three or four weeks. Painkilling drugs can still be taken if necessary.

The radiotherapy staff will explain your treatment and the possible side effects to you beforehand.

Occasionally, if there are cancer cells in more than one area of bone you may be given treatment known as hemibody irradiation. Treatment is given over a large area, either the top or the bottom half of the body. This type of radiotherapy normally gives good pain relief within a few days. However, the side effects of treatment are likely to be greater than with local radiotherapy to a given area. Your doctor will prescribe antisickness drugs for you and you may have a short stay in hospital. If necessary the other half of your body can be treated later, once the side-effects of treatment have worn off.

We have a section on secondary cancer in the bone which gives more detail about the possible treatments.

This treatment for secondary cancer in the bone uses a radioactive material (isotope) called strontium 89, which is taken up by the affected areas of bone. It is particularly useful if several areas of bone are affected and are causing pain. The isotope is given as an injection into a vein in the arm; this can usually be done in the outpatients department. After the injection, a small amount of radioactivity is present in the urine, so men are advised to use flush toilets instead of urinals to reduce the risk of anyone else being exposed to the radiation.

The hospital staff will discuss any special precautions with you before you go home. The amount of radioactivity is very small and it is safe for you to be with other people, including children. Most men feel some effect from the treatment within a few weeks, although occasionally the pain may get slightly worse before it gets better.