SBRT vs IMRT for Prostate Cancer

This trial examines how two types of radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), treat stage IIA-B prostate cancer. Both treatments use high-energy x-rays to target and kill cancer cells, but SBRT aims to achieve this with fewer sessions and less harm to healthy tissue. The trial will determine which method is more effective for patients. Men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who have not received prior local treatment, such as surgery or radiation, might be suitable candidates for this study. As a Phase 3 trial, it represents the final step before FDA approval, offering patients a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.

If you are taking a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, you will need to stop it before starting the trial, but no specific time without the medication is required. Other medications are not mentioned, so the protocol does not specify if you need to stop them.

Studies have shown that both stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) are safe for treating prostate cancer. SBRT delivers precise radiation to tumors and generally causes manageable side effects. One study found that 27% of men experienced urinary problems, slightly more than those receiving standard radiation therapy, though these issues were not severe for most patients.

Researchers are excited about these treatments because they offer different approaches to delivering radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) allows for precise targeting of tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, but it typically requires multiple sessions over several weeks. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), on the other hand, is a newer method that delivers high-dose radiation in fewer sessions, potentially reducing treatment time to just a few weeks. This means SBRT could make the treatment process quicker and more convenient for patients, maintaining effectiveness while possibly offering fewer side effects.

This trial will compare Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for treating prostate cancer. Research has shown that SBRT, which participants in this trial may receive, holds promise for treating prostate cancer. Studies have found that SBRT can prevent cancer recurrence for at least five years in about 83.6% of patients. It also alleviates symptoms with fewer severe side effects, though some patients may experience urinary issues within the first two years after treatment. Overall, SBRT is considered a safe and effective option for many prostate cancer cases.