What type of treatment is used primarily for localized prostate cancer?

Radiation therapy is primarily used for localized prostate cancer because it specifically targets cancer cells in the prostate gland while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This type of treatment can be delivered externally through external beam radiation or internally via brachytherapy, where radioactive seeds are placed directly in or near the tumor.

Localized prostate cancer is often defined as cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate. Therefore, treatments that directly address the tumor, such as radiation, are particularly effective. Radiation therapy is well-established in the management of localized prostate cancer, offering a non-invasive or minimally invasive option that can preserve the prostate and potentially reduce the risk of recurrence.

In contrast, other treatment options listed are generally used for more advanced cancers or when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, making radiation therapy the most suitable and preferred choice for localized cases. Hormonal therapy can be used in conjunction or later in treatment, but it is not the primary method for localized disease. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy are typically reserved for more advanced-stage cancers and have less relevance in early-stage, localized prostate cancer management.