In a nutshell
The main objective of this study was to review all data available on focal radiotherapy (FRT) for men with early prostate cancer. The authors concluded that FRT was an option in early prostate cancer but may not be as effective in intermediate-risk tumors.
Some background
Radiation therapy is an important part of prostate cancer treatment. Radiation therapy involves directing radiation at the prostate in order to kill the cancer cells while causing minimal damage to healthy cells.
FRT is a form of radiation therapy. FRT is a more targeted form of this treatment where a specific, small cancer site is targeted rather than an entire area. For example, external beam radiation (EBR) involves directing a single or multiple beams of radiation from an external source at the tumor site. Brachytherapy involves implanting a radiation source at the tumor site.
It is still not clear whether FRT is an effective primary treatment option for low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
Methods & findings
The bottom line
The authors concluded that primary FRT was a possible option in early prostate cancer but may be suboptimal in intermediate-risk tumors.
Published By :
Critical reviews in oncology/hematology
Date :
Sep 01, 2016
