Comparing radiotherapy treatment regimens for prostate cancer

This study aimed to evaluate two different timelines of delivering radiotherapy, 56 Gy delivered in 16 treatments or 67 Gy delivered in 25 treatments, to the prostate. This study found that both treatments are safe and effective in the treatment of prostate cancer. 

Hypo-fractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) for localized prostate cancer is a safe and effective treatment option. It involves a shorter course of treatment with larger doses of radiation delivered in each treatment as compared to conventional radiotherapy treatment. This treatment can consist of 56 Gy delivered in 16 treatments or 67 Gy delivered in 25 treatments. Gy is the unit of measurement used for radiation treatment.

It is unclear which hypo-fractionation schedule is more effective.

This study aimed to compare two different hypo-fractionated regimens. This study included 160 patients with prostate cancer who were randomly assigned to treatment consisting of 56Gy in 16 treatments (56Gy) or 67Gy in 25 (67Gy). The treatments were compared in terms of side effects, specifically gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, discomfort or constipation.

20 patients (26%) who were in the 56Gy treatment cohort developed acute moderate (grade 2) gastrointestinal side-effects as compared to 16 patients (20%) who were receiving 67Gy. 42 (55%) patients in the 56Gy treatment cohort developed moderate acute urinary side-effects (such as pain or hesitancy) as compared to 40 patients (49%) who were receiving 67Gy. Side effects were worst during radiation therapy and resolved in the months after radiation therapy. 

This study found that both radiotherapy regimens, 56 Gy delivered in 16 treatments or 67 Gy delivered in 25 treatments, are safe and effective in the treatment of prostate cancer. 

This is not a blinded study and so is of a lesser level of evidence than a randomized controlled trial.