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Proton Beam Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer—Is the Hype (and the Cost) Justified?

Current Urology Reports volume 14, pages 199–208 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Although in use for over 40 years, proton beam therapy for prostate cancer has only recently come under public scrutiny, due to its increased cost compared to other forms of treatment. While the last decade has seen a rapid accumulation of evidence to suggest that proton beam therapy is both safe and effective in this disease site, a rigorous comparison to other radiotherapy techniques has not yet been completed. In this review, we provide an in-depth look at the evidence both supporting and questioning proton beam therapy’s future role in the treatment of prostate cancer, with emphasis on its history, physical properties, comparative clinical and cost effectiveness, advances in its delivery and future promise.

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Disclosure

Dr. Phillip Gray reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Dr. Jason Efstathiou reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Boston, MA, USA

    Phillip J. Gray

  2. Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Blossom St., Cox 3, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Jason A. Efstathiou

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  1. Phillip J. Gray
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  2. Jason A. Efstathiou
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Correspondence to Jason A. Efstathiou.

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Gray, P.J., Efstathiou, J.A. Proton Beam Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer—Is the Hype (and the Cost) Justified?. Curr Urol Rep 14, 199–208 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-013-0320-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-013-0320-2

Keywords

  • Prostate cancer
  • Proton beam therapy
  • Particle therapy
  • IMRT
  • Comparative effectiveness
  • Cost