Surgical and Medical Castration to Treat Prostate Cancer

Surgical and medical castration are two methods used to treat prostate cancer. Both methods aim to reduce the levels of male hormones (androgens), which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Surgical castration involves the removal of the testicles, which are the body’s main source of androgens. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and requires a short hospital stay. After the procedure, the patient will no longer produce testosterone, which can help slow the growth of prostate cancer.

Medical castration, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is a non-surgical method of reducing androgen levels. This is typically achieved through the use of medications, such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists or antagonists, which suppress the production of testosterone in the testicles. Another medication, called an anti-androgen, may also be given to block the action of androgens in the body.

Medical castration is typically used as a first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, and may also be used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. While medical castration does not involve surgery, it may have side effects similar to surgical castration, including hot flashes, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction.

Both surgical and medical castration are effective treatments for prostate cancer, but they are typically reserved for more advanced cases of the disease. The choice of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preferences and goals for treatment.