External beam radiotherapy as definitive treatment for prostate cancer

External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) planning and delivery has dramatically changed in the last 2 decades allowing dose escalation to the prostate while maintaining the same risk of complications. EBRT plays a major role in the treatment of localized (T1-2) and locally advanced (T3-4) prostate cancer. In this review we will focus on some current issues associated with the "modern" use of EBRT such as what to expect from EBRT in terms of tumor control and side effects, what is the role of biopsy and surgery after EBRT, what is the role of androgen deprivation (AD), and how EBRT compares to brachytherapy.