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Current Oncology Reports
Published in: Current Oncology Reports 4/2017

Open Access 01-04-2017 | Genitourinary Cancers (DP Petrylak and JW Kim, Section Editors)

The Role of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer

Authors: Linus C. Benjamin, Alison C. Tree, David P. Dearnaley

Published in: Current Oncology Reports | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

It is now accepted that prostate cancer has a low alpha/beta ratio, establishing a strong basis for hypofractionation of prostate radiotherapy. This review focuses on the rationale for hypofractionation and presents the evidence base for establishing moderate hypofractionation for localised disease as the new standard of care. The emerging evidence for extreme hypofractionation in managing localized and oligometastatic prostate cancer is reviewed.

Recent Findings

The 5-year efficacy and toxicity outcomes from four phase III studies have been published within the last 12 months. These studies randomizing over 6000 patients to conventional fractionation (1.8–2.0 Gy per fraction) or moderate hypofractionation (3.0–3.4 Gy per fraction). They demonstrate hypofractionation to be non-inferior to conventional fractionation.

Summary

Moderate hypofractionation for localized prostate cancer is safe and effective. There is a growing body of evidence in support of extreme hypofractionation for localized prostate cancer. Extreme hypofractionation may have a role in managing prostate oligometastases, but further studies are needed.
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Metadata
Title
The Role of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer
Authors
Linus C. Benjamin
Alison C. Tree
David P. Dearnaley
Publication date
01-04-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Oncology Reports / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1523-3790
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-017-0584-7

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