15 Frequently Asked Questions : Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India for Uzbek Patients

Q1 · What is Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Prostate cancer treatment is designed to control or remove cancer in the prostate and manage disease that may have spread outside the prostate.

Treatment can include

• Active surveillance
• Radical prostatectomy
• Robotic-assisted prostatectomy
• Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery in selected cases
• Radiation therapy
• Brachytherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy in selected situations
• Radiopharmaceutical treatment in appropriate advanced disease

Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy involves removing the prostate gland and, when appropriate, nearby tissues and lymph nodes.

It may be considered for selected patients whose cancer is confined to the prostate or who are otherwise appropriate surgical candidates.

Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive approach in which the surgeon controls specialised instruments while operating through small incisions.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation may be used as an alternative to surgery for selected localised cancers or together with hormone therapy in higher-risk disease.

Advanced Prostate Cancer

When prostate cancer has spread, treatment may focus on controlling the cancer throughout the body using hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted treatment or radiopharmaceutical approaches, depending on the patient's disease characteristics.

Q2 · How much does Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery cost in Uzbekistan compared with India?

The cost depends on

• Cancer stage
• PSA level and Grade Group
• Type of treatment
• Surgical approach
• Robotic technology
• Lymph-node surgery
• Radiation technology
• Number of radiation sessions
• Hormone therapy
• Medicines
• Hospital stay
• Additional investigations
• Whether the cancer has spread

For indicative planning, this guide uses

• US$1 ≈ UZS 12,200
• US$1 ≈ INR 96

These estimates may or may not include

• Consultation
• Imaging
• Biopsy
• Pathology
• Surgery
• Anaesthesia
• Hospitalisation
• ICU care if required
• Medicines
• Radiation
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted treatment
• Follow-up investigations

Uzbek patients should obtain a detailed written quotation before travelling.

Q3 · Which Indian cities can Uzbek patients consider for Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Patients should confirm that the selected centre has the specific prostate cancer treatment required, particularly robotic surgery, advanced radiation therapy or specialised treatment for metastatic disease.

Q4 · Which hospitals in India can Uzbek patients consider for Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Not every hospital listed provides every prostate cancer procedure. Uzbek patients should specifically confirm the availability of the required uro-oncology team, robotic programme, radiation technology and advanced systemic treatments before travelling.

Q5 · What types of Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery are available?

1. Active Surveillance

Selected patients with lower-risk prostate cancer may be monitored closely rather than treated immediately.

2. Radical Prostatectomy

The prostate gland is surgically removed, with additional tissue or lymph-node removal when clinically appropriate.

3. Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

A minimally invasive approach that may be used for selected patients with localised prostate cancer.

4. Radiation Therapy

Radiation can be delivered externally and may be combined with hormone therapy for selected patients.

5. Brachytherapy

Radioactive sources are placed within or close to the prostate in selected patients.

6. Hormone Therapy

Androgen-deprivation treatment reduces the hormonal stimulation that can support prostate cancer growth.

7. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used in selected patients, particularly when prostate cancer is advanced or hormone-resistant.

8. Targeted Treatment

Selected patients may be considered for targeted medicines depending on tumour characteristics and molecular findings.

9. Radiopharmaceutical Treatment

Certain advanced prostate cancers may be treated with radioactive medicines directed toward specific tumour targets when the patient meets appropriate criteria.

10. Combination Treatment

Some patients require combinations such as

• Surgery plus postoperative treatment
• Radiation plus hormone therapy
• Hormone therapy plus chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy plus targeted treatment

The treatment combination depends on cancer stage and biological characteristics.

Q6 · Who may be suitable for Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Suitability depends on

• PSA level
• Gleason score / Grade Group
• Tumour stage
• MRI findings
• Biopsy results
• Lymph-node status
• Presence or absence of metastases
• Age
• General health
• Urinary function
• Sexual function
• Previous treatment

Patients with localised prostate cancer may be considered for

• Active surveillance
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy

Intermediate- and high-risk cancers may require more intensive treatment. Locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is generally managed with systemic and/or radiation-based treatment, with surgery considered only in selected circumstances. A multidisciplinary assessment can help determine the most appropriate treatment sequence.

Q7 · What tests are required before Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

The exact tests depend on the patient's diagnosis and planned treatment.

They may include

• PSA blood test
• Digital rectal examination
• Prostate biopsy
• Histopathology
• Gleason score / Grade Group
• Multiparametric MRI of the prostate
• CT scan
• Bone imaging where appropriate
• PET-based imaging where clinically indicated
• Kidney-function tests
• Liver-function tests
• Complete blood count
• ECG
• Anaesthesia assessment

Additional molecular or genetic testing may be considered for selected patients, especially those with advanced disease or relevant family history. Before surgery, the patient may require additional medical and anaesthesia clearance.

Q8 · What medical records should Uzbek patients send before travelling?

Uzbek patients should send

• Latest PSA reports
• Previous PSA history
• Prostate biopsy report
• Histopathology report
• Gleason score / Grade Group
• Immunohistochemistry where performed
• Multiparametric MRI report
• MRI images
• CT scan and report where applicable
• PET/CT or other staging scans where available
• Bone-scan results where applicable
• Previous treatment records
• Previous surgery reports
• Radiation records
• Hormone-treatment history
• Chemotherapy records
• Current medication list
• Other significant medical records

Patients should clearly mention

• Date of diagnosis
• Current stage if known
• Previous treatment
• Current symptoms
• Urinary symptoms
• Current PSA
• Previous PSA values
• Any known spread to lymph nodes or bones
• Any other major medical conditions

Imaging files should be shared wherever possible rather than relying only on written reports.

Q9 · How does Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery work?

Treatment usually begins with confirmation and staging of the cancer.

Step 1: Diagnosis

The diagnosis is established using PSA testing, examination, imaging and biopsy.

Step 2: Risk Assessment

The specialist evaluates

• PSA
• Grade Group
• Tumour extent
• MRI findings
• Lymph nodes
• Metastatic disease

Step 3: Treatment Selection

The team determines whether the patient may be suitable for

• Active surveillance
• Surgery
• Radiation
• Hormone therapy
• Systemic treatment
• A combination

Step 4: Surgery Where Appropriate

For selected localised cancers, radical prostatectomy removes the prostate.

The surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes when clinically appropriate.

Step 5: Pathology

The removed prostate and other tissue are examined to determine

• Tumour grade
• Surgical margins
• Local tumour extent
• Lymph-node involvement

Step 6: Additional Treatment

Some patients require additional radiation, hormone therapy or systemic treatment depending on the final pathology and risk of recurrence.

Step 7: Follow-Up

PSA monitoring is an important part of follow-up after treatment.

Patients may also require monitoring of

• Urinary function
• Sexual function
• Hormonal effects
• Treatment-related complications
• Cancer recurrence

Q10 · What are the alternatives to Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Not every patient needs prostate surgery. Possible treatment approaches include:

Active Surveillance

Appropriate for selected lower-risk cancers, with regular monitoring and treatment if the cancer shows evidence of progression.

Radiation Therapy

External-beam radiation or brachytherapy may be used for selected localised cancers.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone treatment can reduce androgen stimulation of prostate cancer.

Chemotherapy

May be used in selected advanced or metastatic cancers.

Targeted Therapy

May be appropriate when the cancer has specific molecular characteristics.

Immunotherapy

Selected patients with appropriate tumour characteristics may be considered for immunotherapy.

Radiopharmaceutical Therapy

Certain advanced cancers can be treated with targeted radioactive medicines when the patient meets treatment criteria.

Palliative Treatment

For advanced disease, treatment may also focus on controlling pain, urinary obstruction, bone complications and other symptoms.

Q11 · What should Uzbek patients ask before accepting a Prostate Cancer Treatment quotation?

Patients should ask

• What is the exact prostate cancer diagnosis?
• What is the PSA level?
• What is the Gleason score?
• What is the Grade Group?
• What is the cancer stage?
• Is the cancer confined to the prostate?
• Are lymph nodes involved?
• Has the cancer spread to the bones or other organs?
• Is surgery recommended?
• Is active surveillance appropriate?
• Is radiation therapy an option?
• Is robotic prostatectomy appropriate?
• What type of surgery is proposed?
• Will lymph nodes be removed?
• What type of anaesthesia will be used?
• How long is the expected surgery?
• How long is the expected hospital stay?
• What are the major surgical risks?
• What is the expected effect on urinary control?
• What is the expected effect on sexual function?
• Could additional treatment be required after surgery?
• Is radiation included in the quotation?
• Is hormone therapy included?
• Are pathology charges included?
• Are imaging and laboratory charges included?
• Are medicines included?
• Is catheter care included?
• What is the expected recovery period?
• How frequently will PSA be checked?
• How will follow-up be managed after returning to Uzbekistan?

Patients should request a written quotation with a clear breakdown of included and excluded services.

Q12 · How long should Uzbek patients stay in India for Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

The required stay depends on the treatment.

For prostate surgery, the patient may need

• Pre-operative evaluation
• Imaging and investigations
• Specialist consultation
• Surgery
• Postoperative monitoring
• Catheter management
• Initial recovery
• Pathology review
• Follow-up consultation

For uncomplicated prostate surgery, Uzbek patients may commonly need approximately 2–3 weeks in India, although the treating team should determine the actual duration. Radiation treatment may require a longer stay depending on the treatment protocol. Patients receiving systemic treatment may need multiple visits or a longer treatment plan. The return flight should be arranged only after the treating team confirms that the patient is medically fit to travel.

Q13 · What is recovery like after Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Recovery varies according to the treatment used.

After prostate surgery, patients may experience

• Fatigue
• Abdominal or pelvic discomfort
• Temporary urinary leakage
• Urinary urgency
• Catheter-related discomfort
• Changes in sexual function
• Reduced physical stamina

Pelvic-floor exercises may be recommended to support urinary recovery. Sexual recovery can take time and varies considerably between patients. Nerve-sparing techniques may be considered in appropriate cases, but they do not guarantee preservation or recovery of sexual function.

Patients should follow instructions regarding

• Walking
• Wound care
• Catheter care
• Fluid intake
• Medicines
• Pelvic-floor exercises
• Sexual activity
• Heavy lifting

Seek prompt medical attention for:

• Fever
• Severe pain
• Heavy bleeding
• Inability to pass urine
• Severe abdominal swelling
• Wound infection
• Persistent vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden deterioration

The treating team should provide personalised postoperative instructions.

Q14 · How can follow-up be managed after returning to Uzbekistan?

Before leaving India, patients should obtain

• Operative report
• Final pathology report
• Discharge summary
• PSA results
• Treatment summary
• Medication list
• Catheter instructions if applicable
• Follow-up schedule
• Radiation plan if applicable
• Hormone-treatment plan if applicable
• Systemic-treatment plan if applicable

Follow-up may include

• PSA monitoring
• Urology review
• Uro-oncology review
• Medical oncology review
• Radiation oncology review where appropriate
• Assessment of urinary function
• Assessment of sexual function
• Imaging when clinically required

After radical prostatectomy, PSA monitoring is particularly important for detecting possible biochemical recurrence.

Uzbek patients should retain copies of

• Pathology
• Imaging
• Operative reports
• PSA results
• Medication records
• Treatment summaries

If further treatment is required in Uzbekistan, these records can be shared with the local urology or oncology team.

Q15 · Should an Uzbek patient travel to India for Prostate Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

Uzbek patients considering treatment in India should first obtain a specialist review of their prostate biopsy, PSA history, imaging and previous treatment.

Before travelling, patients should understand

• Exact diagnosis
• PSA level
• Gleason score / Grade Group
• Cancer stage
• Whether the cancer is localised
• Whether lymph nodes are involved
• Whether there is metastatic disease
• Whether surgery is recommended
• Whether robotic surgery is appropriate
• Whether radiation is an alternative
• Whether hormone therapy is required
• Whether chemotherapy or targeted treatment is required
• Expected treatment duration
• Estimated cost
• Expected hospital stay
• Expected recovery period
• Possible urinary effects
• Possible sexual-function effects
• Follow-up requirements

The decision should be based on the patient's individual diagnosis and treatment goals rather than cost alone. Uzbek patients should obtain a clear written treatment plan and quotation before finalising travel arrangements.