Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer patients
Article published in Urologia Polska 2006/59/4.

authors

Agata Rembielak: Centrum Onkologii, Instytut im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie w Warszawie, Oddział w Gliwicach

keywords

prostate, prostate cancer, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), radiotherapy complications

summary

Introduction. Radiotherapy together with surgery and hormone treatment is an established treatment of prostate cancer. In conventional radiotherapy total doses of 70 Gy are considered as the safe upper limit due to acceptable risk of normal tissue complications in critical tissues like rectum or bladder. Several clinical studies indicate that higher doses, than prescribed in conventional radiotherapy, may be desirable to improve local control in prostate cancer. Such escalation is possible due to technical progress in radiotherapy introducing conformal techniques that have allowed also to spare surrounding normal tissues.

The aim of the study. The purpose of this paper is to present the newest technical development in external beam radiotherapy: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).

Material and methods. The spectrum of the available literature in the field of the use of IMRT in prostate cancer treatment has been reviewed. The results of clinical trials and studies concerning IMRT in the management of prostate cancer are presented.

Conclusion. With the introduction of IMRT due to further dose escalation to the prostate gland while reducing the risk of normal tissue complications better local control rates have been achieved. The long-term results of IMRT in prostate cancer require further analysis.

references

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