Radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to destroy prostate cancer cells. It is a common treatment for prostate cancer.

You might have external beam radiotherapy or internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy). 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 prostate cancer, you might have a type of internal radiotherapy called brachytherapy. 

External beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer

External radiotherapy uses a machine outside the body to direct radiation beams at the cancer.

Brachytherapy for prostate cancer

You might have a type of internal radiotherapy called brachytherapy for prostate cancer. This means that you have a radioactive source inside the prostate.

Last reviewed: 
20 Jun 2025
Next review due: 
20 Jun 2028