Stereotactic hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer patients — a preliminary report

Abstract

Background. Prostate cancer is the second most frequent malignancy in men in Poland. The standard treatment for early stage prostate cancer is operation and radiotherapy. The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of stereotactic radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer.

Material and methods. This is a prospective single-center clinical study. It was performed on prostate cancer patients with localized low- and intermediate-risk (according to NCCN) adenocarcinoma of the prostate T2-T3N0M0. Patients were prepared for treatment and immobilized according to a special protocol. For treatment planning CT and MRI scans were performed. IMRT plans were made. The PTV received 33.5 Gy in 5 fractions twice a week, which is equivalent to conventional 78 Gy in 39 fractions a 2 Gy (a/b for prostate cancer 1.4 Gy).

Results. in the analysis 32 patients were included. The tolerance of treatment was good and no Grade 3 or higher acute toxicity was reported (according to RTOG/EORTC). PSA levels systematically decreased (from a mean PSA level 10.46 before treatment to 0.37 ng/ml 12 months after the end of treatment.

Conclusions. Stereotactic hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer patients with X-rays from accelerator, with an IMRT technicque and very accurate patient positioning is an effective and safe treatment in the short-term analysis.