Hypofractionated radiotherapy (HR) has been suggested might be equally or more effective with a shortened overall treatment duration for prostate cancer (PC). However, the quality of life (QoL) and late toxicity is an important issue in PC treatment decisions. Our aim was to report our clinical outcomes of patients receiving HR and investigate the toxicity and QoL. Clinical data of patients with PC were retrospectively evaluated. Patients received HR with VMAT and online image-guidance using daily CBCT. Dose was 70 Gy at 2.5 Gy/fraction. 3 target volumes were contoured: 20.3% prostate only, 17.2% prostate + seminal vesicles and 52.3 % prostate + seminal vesicles + pelvic lymph nodes. Patients filled out EORTC QLQ-C30 and PC-specific QLQ-PR25 questionnaires in two measuring points of observation. Late toxicity was assessed according to RTOG/EORTC score and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at the last consultation. The analysis included 115 PC patients (52–82 years) with 25-low-, 32 intermediate- and 58 high-risk. Median Gleason score was 7 and median PSA level of 10.25 ng/mL. Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy was given to 87 patients (75.6 %) and stopped in 28 patients after 6 months; in 59 patients after 2–3 years. Median follow-up was 4.3 years (maximum: 5.5 years) The median of last PSA measurement was 0.10 ng/mL. 2 patients had PSA failure (biochemical control rate was 98.4%). No patients had local, node or metastatic relapse. Late genitourinary (GU) toxicity was observed for grades 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 31.3%, 28.9%, 18%, 9.4% and 1.6%, respectively; late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was recorded for grades 0, 1, 2 and 3 in 75%, 5.5%, 6.3% and 0.8% patients, respectively. No grade IV late gastrointestinal toxicity was reported. IPSS score after radiotherapy was 10.5 ± 8.7 (mean ± SE). No deaths from prostate cancer but 1 due to toxicity by enterovesical fistula. Relapse-free interval was 52 months. 5-year cause-specific survival was 100% and 5-year overall survival was 90%. The questionnaires of QoL were filled out in two measuring points of observation (median 40 months after radiotherapy). Patients who received HR showed a lower degree of global health status and functional scale and increase of certain symptoms of side effects. However, emotional functioning improved and constipation decreased. The second questionnaire based on PC-specific symptoms increased, however, sexual functioning improved (questions about sexual functioning were conditional). These results are comparable to the reference date on QoL of cancer patients. HR with VMAT produces excellent rates of biochemical control for low, intermediate and high-risk PC. The long term GU and GI toxicity rates were considered low and acceptable. In addition, it is a well tolerated treatment in terms of QoL and has no negative impact on functioning and everyday life.
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