Value and perspectives of proton radiation therapy for limited stage prostate cancer.
BACKGROUND
This review article will focus on clinical results and limitations of proton beam irradiation. Possible technological, biological and medical perspectives will be addressed.


METHODS
A total of 911 patients with limited stage prostate cancer were treated with proton beam irradiation at Loma Linda University between 1991 and 1996. Endpoints of this evaluation were biochemically no evidence of disease survival (bNED) as well as acute and late treatment-related toxicity.


RESULTS
The bNED survival rate was 82% at 5 years. Among 870 patients evaluable for late toxicity the following late effects were observed: Grade 3/4: 0%, Grade 2 rectal: 3.5% and bladder: 5.4%.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite relatively short follow-up times it seems justified to conclude that proton beam irradiation of prostate cancer can improve bNED rates by 10% and decrease Grade 2 late effects by more than 10%. There were no Grade 3 and 4 late effects.
Schulte
R W
RW
Department of Radiation Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC), USA. rschulte@prolit.llu.edu
Slater
J D
JD
Rossi
C J
CJ
Slater
J M
JM
D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D061766:Proton Therapy; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors
D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen