Cancerbackup: Radiotherapy vs surgery

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Radiotherapy versus surgery

There is no conclusive evidence to show that either radical radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy offers a greater long-term survival advantage (15).

Research comparing radical prostatectomy with radiotherapy is scarce. Two systematic reviews published in 2002 and 2003 found no reliable RCTs and highlighted only older research that did not use modern radiotherapy techniques (13), (16).

The key to the, often difficult, process of decision-making is open communication between health professionals and the patient. There should be access to clear information regarding the potential benefits and disadvantages of each treatment option.


Content last reviewed: 01 May 2007
Page last modified: 31 January 2008

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