The Role of Radiotherapy and Radioactive Phosphorus (32P)

Little attention has been given to the beneficial results of radiation therapy in the treatment of localized carcinoma of the prostate or for palliative treatment of patients with metastatic disease, 29,30 in contrast to orchiectomy or the administration of estrogenic hormones. 31 The majority succumbing to the disease will ultimately exhibit clinical evidence of osseous metastases, and almost invariably, the symptomatic relief of pain becomes important. Patients in whom the diagnosis of carcinoma of the prostate was made even after the appearance of metastases have a median survival of three years with proper treatment. 31 In fact, it is not uncommon to see patients who have had extensive osseous involvement of more than five years' duration. Although prolongation of life does not occur, the judicious use of radiation therapy can play an important part in improving the life of the patient by alleviating pain. A survey of the recent literature