Minimizing Side Effects

The Prostate Cancer Institute combines the knowledge, experience and skill of many local urologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists. This means your treatment team can choose from a wide range of both surgical and non-surgical options and help you select the one that best meets your individual needs. While all prostate cancer treatments have some side effect risks in common, different treatments may have different side effects.

Calypso is proven effective in significantly reducing side effects when used in conjunction with radiation treatment.
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GPS Tracking Reduces Side Effects

Calypso® 4D Localization System™One treatment showing a lot of promise in reducing side effects such as impotence, incontinence and bowel function, is Calypso®, a tumor-tracking system that uses GPS technology. A recent study published in the medical journal, Urology, conclusively demonstrated that using the Calypso technology significantly reduces the risk of various side effects. In fact, the risk of impact to sexual function was next to nothing.

The Prostate Cancer Institute has unique expertise with Calypso – a physician associated with the Prostate Cancer Institute was lead investigator for the study, and it is already in use at our office, so men all over Southwest Florida are already benefiting from this treatment.

Controlling Side Effects of Prostate Cancer TreatmentCommon Side Effects

Our skilled professionals are highly trained in using laser, surgical and radiation treatment, however side effects may occur. Some common side effects are listed below, but your treatment team will guide you through potential side effects of your individual treatment.

  • Surgical side effects may include impacts to urinary and erectile function, surrounding tissue damage, and blood loss.
  • Radiation treatments use high heat which may cause pain at the site, infection, bleeding, blood clots, swelling, burns, blistering or skin damage.

Whichever treatment you choose, our clinicians’ experience and precision help us mitigate side effects.

Other common side effects of radiation treatment can be helped by eating a proper diet and drinking proper fluids. Researchers have found that people who eat well during their treatment are better able to tolerate side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite.