Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Localized, Low–Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer: Current and Future Prospectives

Abstract

At the time of diagnosis, the vast majority of prostate carcinoma patients have a clinically localized form of the disease, with most of them presenting with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. In this setting, various curative-intent alternatives are available, including surgery, external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy can be considered as a valid alternative strategy for localized prostate cancer. High-dose-rate brachytherapy can be administered according to different schedules. Proton beam radiotherapy represents a promising strategy, but further studies are needed to make it more affordable and accessible. At the moment, new technologies such as MRI-guided radiotherapy remain in early stages, but their potential abilities are very promising.

Keywords

• prostate cancer
• external beam radiotherapy
• hypofractionation
• ultrahypofractionation
• stereotactic body radiotherapy
• brachytherapy