Guidelines for hypofractionated radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer

This study reviewed the current recommendations for treatment doses of radiation therapy for different stages of prostate cancer. 

Hypo-fractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) for early-stage 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. HFRT can be of a medium level (240-340 cGy per treatment) or ultra HFRT (500 cGy or more per treatment). Gy is the unit of measurement used for radiation treatment.

It is unclear which HFRT schedule is more effective for different stages of prostate cancer. 

This study aimed to present recommendations for different hypo-fractionated radiation treatments. They were compared in terms of side effects, such as diarrhea, discomfort or constipation.

Medium level HFRT may be offered for patients with low-risk prostate cancer who don't want watchful waiting. Medium level HFRT can also be offered to medium risk patients and high-risk patients without lymph node disease. 

There are different schedules of medium dose HFRT, involving 20 or 28 treatments. There are side effects associated with this treatment which are similar to conventional radiotherapy. These are mostly involving the digestive, genital and urinary systems.

Ultra HFRT can be offered to low-risk patients who refuse watchful waiting. In medium and high-risk patients, this treatment is recommended as part of a clinical trial, due to the risk of late side effects. Ultra HFRT involves 5 high-dose treatments.

This study offered current recommendations for treatment doses of HFRT for different stages of prostate cancer.