In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) used as a treatment in low volume metastatic (spread) prostate cancer. This study found that SABR is effective and has few side-effects.
Some background
Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is a treatment option for metastatic prostate cancer. Metastatic prostate cancer means that the tumor cells have moved from the prostate to other parts of the body. SABR is different from typical radiation therapy treatment. It can be carried out in one treatment and is very precise. The radiation beams come from different angles and meet at the tumor. It is used mostly on small tumors. The effectiveness of SABR on low volume metastatic prostate cancer is still under investigation.
Methods & findings
33 patients with advanced prostate cancer were included. Patients had cancer spread mostly to the lymph nodes and bone. All patients received a single SABR treatment and were followed up for 2 years.
In 97% of patients, the prostate tumor has not grown 1 year after treatment. This rate was 93% after 2 years. 22 patients were not on hormone therapy at the time of treatment. At 2 years, 48% of these patients still had not moved onto to hormone therapy. There was one serious side effect of a spine fracture. Patient-reported quality of life did not change.
The bottom line
This study found that SABR is effective and has few side-effects in patients with low volume advanced prostate cancer.
The fine print
This study included a very small number of patients and had a short follow-up period. Larger studies are needed for more conclusive results.
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Sep 25, 2018
