Radiotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer

You might have radiotherapy for prostate cancer that has spread to different parts of the body. This is metastatic or advanced prostate cancer.

Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to destroy prostate cancer cells. You might have external beam radiotherapy or internal radiotherapy. External beam radiotherapy directs radiotherapy beams at the cancer from a machine. This is different to internal radiotherapy which means giving radiotherapy to the cancer from inside the body.

For metastatic prostate cancer, you might have a type of internal radiotherapy called Radium 223. Your doctor may also suggest you have a type of internal radiotherapy called Lutetium-177-PSMA. This is a new type of internal radiotherapy treatment. 

The aim of radiotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer is to shrink the cancer, relieve symptoms such as pain and help you feel more comfortable.