Prostate Bed Radiation Therapy

How We Keep Your Treatment Accurate

• A customized support such as a Vac-Lok cushion helps reproduce your position.
• Follow the bladder and bowel instructions supplied by the care team.
• CT simulation maps the prostate bed and nearby organs.
• The physician defines the target and organs to protect; the dosimetrist and medical physicist create and verify the plan.
• Image guidance, including cone-beam CT, confirms the prostate-bed location and positioning before radiation is delivered.

Before the First Treatment

• Complete consultation and insurance authorization.
• Complete CT simulation and MRI.
• The physician, dosimetrist and medical physicist design and verify the treatment plan. Planning and quality checks commonly take 7–10 business days.

During Treatment

Imaging confirms your position before each treatment. You will meet with the doctor and nurse weekly during the IMRT/VMAT course to discuss urinary, bowel, energy or other changes.

• Possible short-term effects include urinary frequency, urgency or burning; bowel irritation, loose stools or gas; mild fatigue; and changes in sexual function.
• Tell the care team about symptoms that persist or worsen. Seek urgent or emergency care as directed, or call 911 for a medical emergency.

After Treatment

• Short-term urinary and rectal symptoms often improve within 4–6 weeks, although recovery varies.
• Continue routine care with your primary care clinician and other members of your cancer-care team.