For the treatment of cancer of the prostate that has not yet metastasized, several therapeutic options that promise lasting local tumour control are now available: Among the surgical options, radical retropubic prostatectomy is most commonly employed. The basic radiotherapeutic options are interstitial and external beam irradiation, or a combination of the two. The choice of the most suitable therapeutic approach is determined by the extent of the tumor, and the side effects that are acceptable to the patient.