What treatment options are typically considered for localized prostate cancer?

The treatment options for localized prostate cancer primarily focus on curative intent, and options such as prostatectomy or radiation therapy are standard choices due to their effectiveness in removing or destroying cancerous tissue. Prostatectomy involves the surgical removal of the prostate gland, which can be a definitive treatment for localized cancer, especially when the disease is confined to the prostate and surrounding tissues.

Radiation therapy, on the other hand, uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. This can be an external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy, where radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the prostate. Both of these methods are viable and well-established treatments for localized prostate cancer, providing patients with options to manage their disease successfully.

While observation without intervention can be appropriate in certain low-risk cases, and hormone therapy plays a role in advanced stages of prostate cancer, they are not primary treatment options for localized disease. Similarly, palliative care is essential for comfort in advanced or metastatic scenarios but is not applicable as a primary treatment approach for localized prostate cancer.