[Radiotherapy of prostate cancer]

Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments used for cancer of the prostate. Although its role has long been well established in the treatment of bone metastases, where an antalgic effect is rapidly obtained in most cases, it is also useful in treatment of localised forms. Transcutaneous radiation therapy and interstitial curietherapy, alone or associated, have become one of the main treatments of localised A2 B1 B2 forms. Immediate local and metastatic control is often obtained. Complications and sequellae have become infrequent with technical progress. The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of advanced forms resistant to hormone therapy remains to be evaluated. Radiation therapy following total prostatectomy (immediate or secondary) leads to improved local control without apparently modifying survival.