Shorter Intensive Radiation Can BE Effective for the Early Stages of Prostate Cancer

Shorter, Intensive Radiation Can Be Effective For The Early Stages Of The Disease

Men with early stage prostate cancer who are given a slightly higher daily dose of radiation during therapy can reduce as much as two weeks of radiation treatments without compromising control of the disease, according to researchers at the Duke Cancer Institute. The study included about 1,100 men with early stage prostate cancer — diagnosed before it had spread. About half received the standard treatment of 41 treatments spread over weeks. The second group received the higher doses for just 28 treatments spread over 5.5 weeks.

Researchers also discovered that even though side effects among patients were slightly less in the standard regimen, both treatments controlled the cancer equally. After a five year follow-up, disease-free survival was no different between the two groups, with about 85.3 percent of men in the traditional group being cancer-free, compared to 86.3 percent of men in the shorter regimen group. Overall survival at five years was also no different, at 93.2 percent and 92.5 percent respectively.

“This study has implications for public policy,” said lead investigator Dr. W. Robert Lee. He is a professor at the Duke Cancer Institute’s department of radiation oncology, in Durham, N.C.

“Because the shorter regimen has advantages such as greater patient convenience and lower costs, it’s important to establishing whether we can cure as many patients with the shorter regimen. Our study provides that information for the first time.”

“An estimated 220,000 men are expected to be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the United States, and the majority will have early stage disease at low risk for recurrence. These findings should help guide clinical decisions, and doctors should be comfortable recommending a shorter radiotherapy course as an alternative to the conventional schedule.”

Dr. W. Robert Lee

Treatment options for prostate cancer vary. Radiation treatment for prostate cancer however has shown that it can lead to more complications following treatment than those who underwent surgery. Men need to take the time to do their research to learn exactly how “radiation” really works and what kind of side effects they may have to live with.

The study was published on April 4 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and was partially funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

Dr. David Samadi | Robotic Prostate Surgeon
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ProstateCancer911.com is a resource created by Dr. David Samadi in order to raise awareness and get more men to receive prostate cancer treatment. The information is strictly general and you should always discuss with your doctor issues concerning your health.

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