Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Prostate Cancer: Where Do We Stand?

Abstract

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an important option for prostate cancer treatment. It involves the delivery of a high dose of radiation to the malignant tissue without affecting the neighboring healthy tissue to achieve a high therapeutic index. As the cells of prostate cancer are radiobiologically similar to a late-responding tissue with a low 𝛼/𝛽 ratio, the dose escalation approach has a better disease control probability than conventional dose fractionation. Therefore, considering the availability of intensity-modulated RT and possibility of dose escalation (>70 Gy), ultrahypofractionated SBRT is now being recommended in select patients with prostate cancers of low and intermediate risk. Although adverse events following SBRT are a concern, acute toxicity can be limited to a certain extent by adjusting the overall length of treatment time by spacing out RT over multiple fractions. Modern radiation planning and delivery methods used in conjunction with cutting-edge imaging techniques have led to the increased adoption of SBRT in prostate cancer. Thus, from a practical standpoint, it is noninvasive and effective for treating prostate cancer, leading to increased access and higher patient satisfaction.