RECENT ADVANCES IN RADIOTHERAPY MODALITIES FOR PROSTATE CANCER

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Radiotherapy is a primary treatment for prostate cancer across all disease stages.
• Technological advancements have enabled dose escalation and hypofractionation.
• Integration of MRI and precise delivery allows for intraprostatic tumor targeting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in prostate cancer radiotherapy.
• To provide a practical summary for clinicians.
• To discuss the evolving role of dose escalation and molecular imaging.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of published literature.
• Analysis of data from clinical trials and observational research.
• Critical evaluation of recent technological and radiobiological developments.

Main Results:

• Hypofractionation and ultra-hypofractionation are emerging as safe approaches.
• Elective pelvic lymph node radiotherapy (50 Gy) benefits high-risk prostate cancer patients.
• The alpha/beta ratio for prostate cancer remains uncertain, impacting hypofractionation efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Prostate radiotherapy has significantly advanced, offering personalized options.
• Further research is needed on partial gland dose escalation and ultra-hypofractionation efficacy.
• Molecular imaging is poised to personalize radiotherapy decisions.