26 Oct Outcomes of Shorter Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Reported
Prof. Incrocci
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Luca Incrocci, MD, PhD
Department of Radiation Oncology
Erasmus MC-Daniel den Hoed Cancer
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr.Incrocci: The trial was designed in 2005-2006. The rationale was to reduce the number of fractions and therefore increase patient’s comfort. At that moment some preliminary data was available on the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to a higher does per fraction.
Our calculations brought us to choose this new fractionation schedule.
The hypofractionation arm (19×3.4 Gy/3 times per week) has shown equivalence in outcome compared to the conventional treatment (39×2 Gy/5 times per week) at a follow-up of 5 yrs. Toxicity is comparable, with a slight increase in bowel complaints at 5yrs. Patients will be followed-up to 10yrs.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr.Incrocci: The new schedule is safe, and reduces the number of hospital visits without compromising treatment efficacy. Patients favour a shorter scheme as 8 weeks treatment is very long and bothersome, and being treated 3 times/week is preferred.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr.Incrocci: We are planning a new trial that will assess whether an even shorter schedule is comparable to the new standard which will be 19 fractions.
Citation:
ASTRO 2015 abstract:
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Luca Incrocci, MD, PhD (2015). Outcomes of Shorter Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Reported
Last Updated on October 26, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD