Stereotactic body radiation therapy for patients with early-stage prostate cancer

Abstract

Aim: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is emerging as a new treatment option for early-stage prostate cancer, theoretically providing clinical and economic benefits compared to conventionally fractionated external-beam radiation therapy (CF-EBRT). This review aimed to evaluate available published data to determine if the proposed theoretical benefits translate clinically. Materials and Methods: A systematic search strategy was employed across three databases using predefined search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant articles. Results: Sixteen articles were included. Biochemical progression-free survival rates of 77.1-100% were reported in SBRT studies compared to 55-98% in CF-EBRT studies. Incidence of acute grade 1, 2, and 3 genitourinary toxicities were reported in the range of 13.3-71%, 12-25% and 0-3%, respectively, in the SBRT cohort in comparison to 28.7-51.9%, 15.6-41.4%. and 1.1-8.1%, respectively, in the CF-EBRT cohort. Incidence of acute grade 1, 2, and 3 gastrointestinal toxicities were reported in the range of 13-67%, 1-27% and 0-9%, respectively, of the SBRT cohort compared to 16.1- 51.1%, 6.3-20.7% and 0-3%, respectively, of the CF-EBRT cohort. Mean treatment costs estimates associated with SBRT ranged from $22,152 to $24,873 and $33,068 to $35,431 for CF-EBRT. Conclusion: Available data support the hypothesis of lower rates of acute toxicity and reduced economic burden associated with SBRT compared to CF-EBRT, however, randomised data withlonger follow-up are needed to determine whether SBRT is clinically more effective than CF-EBRT.