In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of radiation therapy in slowing disease progression in metastatic prostate cancer.
Researchers concluded that radiation to the primary tumor site improves overall survival and slows the progression of metastatic prostate cancer.
Some background
Radiation therapy involves directing high-energy rays to the tumor site to kill cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy cells. This is an established treatment for cancer confined to the prostate. It is less commonly used for metastatic prostate cancer (cancer that has spread to distant organs). However, there is evidence to suggest that treating the primary tumor site can slow metastatic cancer progression and improve survival.
Methods & findings
This study examined the use of radiation in metastatic prostate cancer. This study included 140 men with metastatic prostate cancer. 39 men received radiation to metastatic (non-primary) tumor sites. 38 men received radiation to the primary tumor. 63 men did not receive radiation. 96% were also treated with hormone therapy at the time of initial diagnosis.
3-year overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause) was significantly higher in men who received radiation to the primary tumor (69%) compared those who were not treated (43%). Disease progression (based on blood tests) improved with primary-tumor radiation (52%) compared with no radiation (16%). Radiation to metastatic (non-primary) tumor sites did not improve overall survival or disease progression compared to no radiation.
Of the men receiving radiation to the primary tumor, 11% developed a low red blood cell count and 8% a low white blood cell count. However, none experienced serious toxicity and most of the side effects were tolerable.
The bottom line
The researchers concluded that radiation therapy to the primary tumor site is an effective treatment in delaying disease progression in men with metastatic prostate cancer.
The fine print
Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the preliminary results of this study.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Jan 25, 2016
