Radiation therapy as treatment for stage T1c prostate cancers

Abstract

Preliminary outcomes are reported for 202 patients with Tlc prostate cancer treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation treatment (3DCRT). At 5 years, actuarial freedom from failure is demonstrated in 97% of patients with pretreatment PSA levels of <10 ng/ml, in 88% of those with PSA levels of 10–19.9 ng/ml, and in 91% of young patients (≤65 years) with PSA levels of <20 ng/ml. The late morbidity following this technology is extremely favorable, with <1% of patients developing serious GI sequelae, <1% using a daily pad for incontinence, and 61 % maintaining sexual potency. Continued development and use of 3DCRT technology is indicated for patients who elect external beam radiation treatment.