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Updated: May 29, 2026
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A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance
Published on: November 7, 2025
Treating intermediate-risk prostate cancer with hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy alone
Sergio Faria1, Alan Dal Pra, Fabio Cury
1Department of Radiation Oncology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada. sergio.faria@muhc.mcgill.ca
Summary
Hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy (HyRT) offers a convenient and effective treatment for intermediate-risk prostate cancer. This study shows a 95.4% biochemical recurrence-free survival at 5 years with low toxicity rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Urology
Background:
- Intermediate-risk prostate cancer treatment efficacy remains uncertain.
- Hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy (HyRT) presents a shorter, more convenient treatment option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of HyRT in patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
- To assess the efficacy and toxicity of HyRT as a standalone treatment.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-two patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer received 3D conformal HyRT (66 Gy/22 fractions) without hormonal therapy.
- Intermediate-risk criteria included T2b-T2c stage, PSA 10-20 ng/mL, or Gleason Score 7.
- Toxicity was graded using CTCAE v3.0; biochemical recurrence was defined as nadir PSA + 2 ng/mL.
Main Results:
- A 5-year actuarial biochemical recurrence-free survival rate of 95.4% was observed.
- Late gastro-intestinal and genito-urinary toxicity rates (grade ≥ 2) were 2% and 7%, respectively.
- No grade 4 or 5 toxicity was reported.
Conclusions:
- HyRT (66 Gy/22 fractions) is a convenient single modality treatment for intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
- The treatment appears to yield comparable results to other therapeutic options.
- HyRT demonstrates patient and healthcare system convenience with favorable oncologic outcomes.
