Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) in the Management of Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: Where are We Now?

Background: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a recent addition to the armamentarium for treating clinically localized prostate cancer. SBRT is a special form of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) that involves the delivery of a small number of very high-dose fractions (e.g. 35 to 40 Gy, in 4 to 5 fractions). The slow-growing nature of prostate adenocarcinoma is thought to be associated to a low α[alpha]/β[beta] ratio of ~1.5, that is believed to confer a preferential sensitivity to ultra-hypofractionation. Literature documenting excellent long-term outcomes and relatively low toxicity with high dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (using similar dose-fractionation) provided a clinical rationale for SBRT. Methods: A review was performed of available literature focusing on the current status of SBRT for clinically localized prostate cancer, including trends, evidence of late toxicity and unresolved issues. Results: The adoption of SBRT for prostate cancer has been rapid, increasing from
Source: Current Cancer Therapy Reviews - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research