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Hypofractionated radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer. Review of clinical trials

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  • Current Technology in Cancer Research and Treatment
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Abstract

Over the last 10 years the radiobiology of prostate cancer has been studied both in experimental research and in clinical trials of hypofractionated radiotherapy. Unlike most cancers, the α/β ratio of the prostatic carcinoma is probably lower than that of the healthy organs around the gland, although there is no agreement as to how low this α/β really is. This peculiarity implies that, theoretically, a hypofractionated schedule would increase the therapeutic gain of radiotherapy. Until now, following four published randomised trials, hypofractionated radiotherapy has shown results in terms of acute and chronic toxicity and tumour control similar to those obtained with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. However, these studies are not conclusive. The two studies that involved significant follow-up used 2D technique and delivered low total equivalent dose. On the other hand, the two most recent trials, which administered total equivalent doses ⩾78 Gy with modern techniques (IMRT, IGRT), involved the disadvantage of small samples and a short follow-up period. The results of ongoing randomised trials are necessary to confirm the advantages of hypofractionation over normofractionated radiotherapy. The impact of hypofractionated radiotherapy on the patient’s health-related quality of life, and on transports and health care costs, should also be investigated.

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  1. Radiation Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo San Vicente, 58-182, ES-37007, Salamanca, Spain

    Víctor Macías

  2. Radiation Oncology Institut Clínic de Malalties Hemato-Oncològiques Cátedra de Radiología. Universidad de Barcelona, Hospital Clínic i Provincial, C/Villaroel, 170, ES-08036, Barcelona, Spain

    Albert Biete

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Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Merck Serono

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Macías, V., Biete, A. Hypofractionated radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer. Review of clinical trials. Clin Transl Oncol 11, 437–445 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-009-0382-2

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