Viadur is indicated in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Bayer is not responsible for, and does not endorse, any of the information found on this page.

Treatment Options

		Chemotherapy
		Cryosurgery
		Hormone therapy
		Radiation therapy
		Radical prostatectomy
		Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
		Watchful waiting

There are many treatments for prostate cancer. The best one for you depends on a number of factors. These include your age, your overall health, and the stage and grade of your cancer.

Be sure to discuss the possible benefits, risks and side effects with each option. The sections here outline some of the general risks and side effects. However, your doctor is the best source of information on your condition. Before you and your doctor select any treatment approach, risks and benefits should be thoroughly discussed.Take the time to research all of your treatment options. Consider getting a second opinion before making a final decision. The most common treatment options for prostate cancer include watchful waiting, radiation, and hormone therapy.

Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate gland, as well as some surrounding tissues and structures.¹ Typically, this surgery is done if it appears the cancer has not spread outside the prostate.² There are two basic types of radical surgery for removal of the prostate: radical retropubic prostatectomy and radical perineal prostatectomy.³ The only difference between these two types that is of importance to the patient is the surgeon uses different routes to reach the prostate.

In radical retropubic prostatectomy, the surgeon makes an incision down to the prostate through the lower abdomen.⁴ In a radical perineal prostatectomy, the surgeon makes an incision up to the prostate between the anus and the scrotum.⁵

What are possible side effects: Impotence (or the lack of penile erections), urinary incontinence (leaking of urine),⁶ bleeding during and after surgery, as well as the possibility of developing a bladder-neck contracture, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, or a urinary-tract infection.⁷

Who makes a good candidate: Men who have prostate cancer that is believed to be confined to the prostate, who should be able to safely undergo an operation requiring general anesthesia, and who should have a life expectancy of at least seven to 10 years.⁸

Viadur is indicated in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.