The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer of the prostate.
The review of the literature assessing the value of external radiotherapy in treatment of patients with prostatic cancer is presented. Radiotherapy appears to be the curative treatment since about 55% of 10 years symptoms free survival rate can be achieved in stages A and B and 35% in stage C. The results of radiotherapy in cancer limited to prostate are equal to those obtained with radical prostatectomy. Postoperative irradiation seems to improve survival in patients treated with incomplete surgery. The value of elective irradiation of the pelvic and periaortic lymph nodes has not been established. The impact of TURP on survival is discussed. The factors influencing local control and complications rates like: Treatment volume, dose levels and treatment techniques are analyzed. Several experimental approaches in radiotherapy of prostatic cancer are presented.
Korzeniowski
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Center of Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute, Kraków, Poland.
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*