Postoperative Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Aim: To retrospectively investigate outcomes, and acute and late complications following postoperative hypofractionated 3D conformal radiotherapy.

Patients and methods: Sixty-nine consecutive patients underwent radical prostatectomy. Radiotherapy was delivered to the prostatic fossa by means of a7-fieldLINACwith 6-15 MV to a total dose of 62.5 Gy in 25 fractions (2.5 Gy per fraction) in five consecutive weeks.

Results: Median follow-up was 54.7 months (range=38-76 months). Five-year overall survival, metastasis-free survival and biochemical relapse-free survival were 91.1%, 84.6% and 66.7%, respectively. Grade 2 or more genitourinary and gastrointestinal acute toxicity was reported in 12% and 5% of patients, respectively. Urinary incontinence grade 2 or more was recorded in 19%.

Conclusion: Postoperative radiotherapy either in the adjuvant or salvage setting resulted in acceptable rates of acute and late toxicity with good tumor control while reducing overall treatment time. Confirmatory results from an ongoing prospective trial are awaited.

Keywords: 3D Conformal radiotherapy; hypofractionated; postoperative setting; prostate cancer.