title: Split-course, high-dose palliative pelvic radiotherapy for locally progressive hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Local progression, in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer, often causes significant morbidity. Pelvic radiotherapy (RT) provides effective palliation in this setting, with most published studies supporting the use of high-dose regimens. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of split-course hypofractionated RT used at our institution in treating this group of patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 34 men with locoregionally progressive hormone-refractory prostate cancer, treated with a split course of pelvic RT (45-60 Gy in 18-24 fractions) between 2000 and 2008 were analyzed. The primary endpoints were the response rate and actuarial locoregional progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, compliance, and acute and late toxicity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median age was 71 years (range, 53-88). Treatment resulted in an overall initial response rate of 91%, a median locoregional progression-free survival of 43 months, and median overall survival of 28 months. Compliance was excellent and no significant late toxicity was reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The split course pelvic RT described has an acceptable toxicity profile, is effective, and compares well with other high-dose palliative regimens that have been previously reported.
authors.affiliation: Radiation Oncology Services, Mater Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. kumar_gogna@health.qld.gov.au
authors.forename: Nirdosh Kumar
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Gogna
authors.forename: Siddhartha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baxi
authors.forename: Brigid
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hickey
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Baumann
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Burmeister
authors.forename: Tanya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Holt
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047368:Tumor Burden; D014521:Urethra; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal