Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: An Institutional Experience Using MRI-guided Treatment...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Prostate cancer is a leading cancer diagnosis in the US, with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) emerging as an alternative to conventional treatments like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
• This study evaluates the outcomes and technical aspects of SBRT for prostate cancer, focusing on the role of MRI in treatment planning.

Observation:

• A cohort of 30 prostate cancer patients received image-guided SBRT between 2011 and 2016.
• Treatment planning integrated CT and contrast-enhanced MRI to define target volumes and identify lesions.
• Median follow-up was 32 months, with 64% of patients showing MRI-detectable foci or palpable nodules.

Findings:

• The biochemical disease-free recurrence rate was 96% (Phoenix definition), with only one recurrence observed four years post-treatment.
• Overall survival was 96%, with the single death unrelated to prostate cancer.
• No statistically significant associations were found between recurrence and MRI findings, T-stage, Gleason score, risk group, age, or race.

Implications:

• SBRT demonstrates high efficacy in prostate cancer treatment, achieving excellent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) control.
• The technique is associated with minimal acute and long-term toxicities, suggesting a favorable safety profile.
• Detailed technical aspects, including MRI utilization, are crucial for effective SBRT planning and delivery in prostate cancer management.