The other form of treatment is radiotherapy, in which deep penetrating X-rays are used to burn the cancer cells of the prostate. This treatment is given over several weeks and may be associated with side-effects like pain, diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum or in the urine, lower abdominal discomfort and, rarely, impotence.

If the disease is advanced or if there is a recurrence then hormonal control of the disease is attempted. This is achieved by using medicines like goserelin or by removing both the testes of the patient (orchidectomy).