title: External-beam radiotherapy in the management of carcinoma of the prostate.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  External-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) has been used in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland for more than 30 years. Well-documented clinical series have demonstrated the effectiveness of EBRT in achieving both cause-specific survival and freedom from biochemical (prostate-specific antigen [PSA]) progression.
  
  
  METHODS
  The indications and expected treatment results for treatment by EBRT in the management of adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland are reviewed. The treatment of early-stage disease definitively by EBRT alone or as complement to radioactive seed implant is emphasized. In the management of locally advanced disease, the use of EBRT with combined androgen ablation is discussed as definitive therapy and also as indicated in the postoperative adjuvant management of surgically identified pathologic stage T3 disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The relative clinical benefit of EBRT compared with the mostly predictable and well-defined moderate side effects, which are manageable in most instances by conservative measures treatment, is well established. Advances in defining radiation-beam parameters have led to more effective and safer treatment for prostate cancer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EBRT has historically been a mainstay in the management of prostate cancer. It remains a useful and indicated treatment modality in patients with early-stage, locally advanced, and metastatic disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida Shands Cancer Center and Teaching Hospital, Gainesville, FL, USA. zlotera@bolus.health.ufl.edu
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Zlotecki
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D011881:Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted
chemical_list: D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen