These pages are intended to help those seeking information. It is not our intention to replace discussion with a doctor but it may be easier for you to talk to your doctor if you already have some information to hand.

Please do not at all hesitate to ask questions if any of the doctor's explanations are unclear. Many issues are a matter of course for the doctors treating you and it may not occur to them that the situation may be different in your case.

Should you come across any further terms that we have not included here during the course of your treatment, please let us know and we will be happy to add them to the list.

Computed tomography

A sectional imaging method which analyses a large number of x-ray images acquired from different directions. Uses include the assessment of the spread of a tumour.

Cytostatic agents
Single-drug and combination treatment

Cancer-destroying drugs using a single drug or several drugs in combination

Histological analysis

Fine tissue examination

HDR brachytherapy

(afterloading method)

In this procedure, tiny radioactive sources of radiation (seeds) from the afterloading device are individually introduced through hollow needles (under anaesthetic) under computer control until the calculated dose is achieved. The irradiation itself is painless. Depending on the procedure, this may take up to 20 minutes (short-term method) or up to several days (long-term method).

After the predetermined irradiation time has elapsed, the source of radiation and the hollow needles are removed from the body, after which the patient no longer emits any radiation.

Given that the sources of radiation have a limited range it is possible to use this method to administer a much higher dose in a targeted manner than could be administered externally with a single irradiation dose.

Immunohistochemical analyses

Special fine tissue analysis

LDR brachytherapy

(seed implantation)

During this procedure, tiny radioactive sources of radiation (seeds) are distributed with millimetre precision through hollow needles into the prostate, where they remain for life. The number of seeds required depends on the size of the prostate. The needles themselves are removed again after deposition. The radioactive radiation of the seeds is of very short range so special shielding (e.g. a lead apron) is generally not required. The patient is discharged from the radiation-protected area immediately after completion of the treatment.

Laparoscopic

Using keyhole techniques

Lymphadenectomy

- Pelvic lymphadenectomy

Removal of lymph nodes

- Removal of pelvic lymph nodes

Magnetic resonance tomography

This sectional imaging method is, for example, used to assess tumour spreading without x-rays.

Microbiological analyses

Examination of bacteria in urine and seminal fluid

Percutaneous radiation

External irradiation through the skin

Radical prostatovesiculectomy/prostatectomy

Complete removal of the prostate and the seminal vesicles

PSA test

In acute prostate cancer, an increased number of prostate-specific protein molecules can be found in the blood.

Retropubic

By means of an abdominal incision

Skeletal scintigraphy

This pictorial imaging of bone metabolism using radiolabelled substances is, for example, used to detect tumour spreading.

SPECT

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography:

A scintigram with three-dimensional imaging spatially acquired using a rotating gamma camera. Used, for example, for improved spatial resolution of the skeletal scintigraphy.

Supportive therapy

Supplementary and supportive (cancer) treatment

Treatment of skeletal metastases using 90Sr-Cl or 153Sm-EDTMP, 90Y colloid

These radioactive substances are absorbed to a greater extent in tumour-affected bone so that the latter can be irradiated from the inside.

TRUS

Transrectal Ultra Sonography

Ultrasound examination of the prostate through the rectum